Merz explores coalition options as he aims for German chancellorship

Friedrich Merz, the leading candidate for Germany's chancellorship, may need two coalition partners after his CDU/CSU bloc's weak election performance. He has ruled out alliances with the far-right AfD and the liberal FDP. The most likely coalition is a "grand coalition" with the SPD, but significant policy differences on taxes and migration could hinder effective governance. Another option is a "Kiwi coalition" with the Greens, though internal resistance within the CDU/CSU complicates this possibility. If a two-party majority is unattainable, a "Kenya coalition" with the CDU/CSU, SPD, and Greens may be necessary. However, past coalition failures raise concerns about stability and effective policymaking.