Understanding the Foundations of Political Consensus in Parliamentary Systems like Germany
Introduction
When talking about politics in Germany or in any parliamentary system, the term “government coalition” comes up very often, especially after every election.
But what exactly does it mean?
Why do parties need a coalition in the first place? Who takes part in it? And how is it formed?
In this article, we offer a detailed and accessible explanation of the concept of a government coalition (Koalition), focusing in particular on the German case as a clear example of a parliamentary democracy built on negotiation and balance between political parties.
What is a government coalition?
A government coalition is an alliance between two or more parties in parliament that agree to work together to form a government when no single party is able to secure the majority of seats required to govern on its own.
In parliamentary systems – especially in Germany – the government is not elected directly by the people. Instead, it is formed on the basis of a majority in parliament that supports the chancellor and agrees to his or her political agenda.
Why do parties form a coalition?
The system of proportional representation used in Germany makes it rare for one party alone to win an absolute majority of seats in parliament.
To form a stable government, parties must together secure a majority of parliamentary votes (50% + 1).
For this reason, parties that are relatively close to each other in their political orientation form what is known as a “government coalition.”
How is a government coalition formed?
Coalition negotiations usually start directly after a parliamentary election and include several phases:
Exploratory talks (Sondierungsgespräche): Initial talks to see whether cooperation and political overlap are possible.
Formal coalition negotiations: These focus on the government programme, the distribution of ministerial posts and the sharing of competencies.
Drafting a coalition agreement (Koalitionsvertrag): A written document that lays out the policies, goals and guidelines that have been agreed upon.
Election of the chancellor: The chancellor is elected by parliament with the support of the coalition parties.
Who takes part in the coalition?
Any two or more parties that together hold a parliamentary majority can form a coalition, provided they can agree on a common political line.
Such alliances are usually formed between:
major parties (such as the SPD or CDU/CSU), and
medium-sized or smaller parties (such as the FDP, the Greens or Die Linke).
Real examples:
“Grand coalition”
Participating parties: CDU/CSU + SPD
Common name: Große Koalition (grand coalition)
“Traffic light coalition”
Participating parties: SPD + Greens (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen) + FDP
Common name: Ampelkoalition (traffic light coalition)
“Jamaica coalition”
Participating parties: CDU/CSU + Greens + FDP
Common name: Jamaika-Koalition (Jamaica coalition)
“Red–Red–Green”
Participating parties: SPD + Greens + Die Linke
Common name: R2G-Koalition (Red–Red–Green)
These coalitions are named after colour combinations that resemble national flags or traffic lights, as a reference to the traditional colours of the participating parties.
Is a coalition something permanent?
No. A coalition is not necessarily permanent. It can:
collapse if deep and unresolved conflicts arise between the participating parties,
be reshaped after the resignation of the chancellor or the fall of the government,
change after new elections or after a successful vote of no confidence.
The durability of a coalition depends on political commitment, mutual trust and discipline within parliament.
What is the difference between a coalition government and a single-party majority government?
| Point of comparison | Coalition government | Single-party majority government |
|---|---|---|
| Number of parties | Two or more parties | One party only |
| Decision-making | Through consensus, negotiations and compromise | More centralised and uniform decision-making |
| Likelihood of conflict | Relatively high | Generally lower |
| Frequency in Germany | Very common | Very rare |
Conclusion
The government coalition is at the core of political life in modern Germany. It reflects the diversity of public opinion and the balance of power within parliament.
Although it requires negotiations, compromises and mutual concessions between the different parties, it ensures broader representation of society and is one of the most important features of a mature parliamentary democracy.
In the end, a coalition is a pact of trust between parties, aimed at forming a stable and responsible government that reflects the will of the voters as accurately as possible.
* The editorial and writing team of the website makes every effort to provide accurate information through thorough research and consultation of multiple sources when preparing articles. Nevertheless, mistakes may occur or information may be included that is not fully verified. Therefore, the information contained in these articles should be regarded as an initial point of reference only. For binding and definitive information, you should always contact the competent authorities or qualified professionals.
