Union politicians optimistic about exploratory talks with the SPD

Leading CDU politicians have expressed optimism about a clarification of unresolved funding issues in defense policy during negotiations between the CDU/CSU and SPD on a future government. "I don't think we have much time," said the Governing Mayor of Berlin, Kai Wegner, on his arrival for consultations with the CDU top committees in Berlin when asked whether decisions on a special fund for defense would be made before the EU summit in Brussels on Thursday.

After the scandal between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian head of state Volodymyr Selenskyj on Friday, Europe must quickly be put in a position to "be independent, to grow up," Wegner added. "That's why I welcome when such decisions are made quickly. But they also have to be good." He is optimistic that this will be negotiated very sensibly between the CDU, CSU and SPD. The exploratory talks are due to continue in Berlin in the late afternoon.

Kretschmer: Opening a new chapter for Germany

The Minister President of Saxony, Michael Kretschmer, said that Germany needed to make itself capable of defending itself and invest in its security. There are also major challenges in the area of infrastructure. "These are all things that need to be discussed very responsibly. Nothing has been decided." The exploratory talks are taking place in a very trusting atmosphere. "That gives us hope that we can open a new chapter for Germany and leave this dispute of the last three years behind us," said Kretschmer.