Regierungsbildung „wider Willen“ – der mühsame Weg zur Koalition nach der Bundestagswahl 2017

• Published in: Zeitschrift für Parlamentsfragen 2018-01, Vol.49 (2), p.407-436
• Main Author: Siefken, Sven T.
• Format: Article
• Language: eng ; ger
• Subjects: AUFSÄTZE
• ISSN: 0340-1758; 1862-2534
• DOI: 10.5771/0340-1758-2018-2-407

The formation of the federal government in Germany after the Bundestag election in 2017 was more complicated and took longer than ever before. This was not only caused by the election results but also by the early determination of the SPD to take the role of opposition. Thus only a “Jamaica” coalition (named after CDU/CSU’s, FDP’s and Greens’ party colours) seemed possible. Exploratory talks were held in a formal way and in great detail. But when the FDP stepped out, they failed. A phase of uncertainty and discussion about new elections or a minority government ensued. The federal president took the lead and admonished the parties to stronger efforts in building a government. Eventually, a contract for a Grand Coalition composed of CDU, CSU and SPD was negotiated. The parties accepted it through different instruments, with the SPD conducting a written survey of all members as it had done in 2013. Thus the federal government was installed 171 days after the election was held. The entire process of government formation shows both an advanced formalization and its pitfalls. The growing importance of the Länder in the coalition negotiations is as apparent as is the necessity to analyze the role of individual actors in the process.