German parties sign 'new start' coalition deal before handover of power

Designated German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, designated Finance Minister Christian Lindner and designated Economy and Climate Minister Robert Habeck attend a news conference after the signing ceremony of a coalition government agreement in Berlin, Germany, December 7, 2021. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch

Germany's Social Democrats (SPD), Greens and Free Democrats (FDP) signed a coalition deal on Tuesday that sets out how to accelerate a green transition and modernise Europe's biggest economy when they take office this week.

The alliance between the unlikely bedfellows, the first such grouping at a national level, brings to an end 16 years of conservative-led government under Angela Merkel who did not stand for a fifth term in a September election.

The SPD's Olaf Scholz is due to be elected chancellor by the Bundestag lower house of parliament and officially take office on Wednesday.

Designated German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, designated Finance Minister Christian Lindner and designated Economy and Climate Minister Robert Habeck walk to attend a news conference after the signing ceremony of a coalition government agreement in Berlin, Germany, December 7, 2021. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch


Under the logo "Dare More Progress", leading members of all three parties signed the 177-page agreement in front of television cameras.

"This should be a morning for a new start," Scholz said.

FDP leader Christian Lindner said the last few weeks had been about talking and now it was time for action.

Designated Economy and Climate Minister Robert Habeck attends a news conference after the signing ceremony of a coalition government agreement in Berlin, Germany, December 7, 2021. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch

"From this week we want to work on making progress. We are under no illusion, we face big challenges," he said.

The parties presented the agreement last month but needed members to approve it before signing it.

Designated German Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks during a news conference after the signing ceremony of a coalition government agreement in Berlin, Germany, December 7, 2021. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch

(´Writing by Madeline Chambers; Editing by Nick Macfie)

A general view of the Reichstag building after German parties signed a coalition deal at the "Futurium - the house of futures" museum in Berlin, Germany, December 7, 2021. REUTERS/Michele Tantussi