Analysis of the Coalition Agreement: How Merkel's New Government Intends to Govern

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The next government plans to create an immediate aide program for beleaguered farmers in Germany in the three-digit millions. The government wants to provide €750 million in addition funding in the next two years. For dairy farmers, who have been particularly hard hit, €500 million is planned.

The new government also wants to promote the cultivation of genetically modified potatoes. Both the FDP and CDU had promoted the policy. German chemical giant BASF says it is safe to use GM potatoes in the production of adhesives and paper.

For the time being, the ban on cultivation of genetically modified corn will remain in place. The FDP had called for the ban to be reversed. The CSU wanted German states to be able to make the decision on whether to permit the controversial crop. A special clause is planned that would allow states to determine on their own how large the safety distances must be between fields where GM crops are planted and those that use traditional crops. The proposal has divided environmental organizations. Greenpeace is accusing the new government of further promoting the cultivation of GM corn and other manipulated crops. "The majority of Germans have opposed genetically modified plants for years," Greenpeace spokesman Stefan Krug said. "But now the new government is coming with a crowbar." He said the government will also be faster to approve pesticides in the past, which will result in the poisoning of soil, water and food. "That might help a few agricultural firms, but no one else."

Environmental activists also criticized the language used in the parts of the coalition contract pertaining to the environment, calling it "uncreative," and arguing that the new government shows a clear preference for the automobile and aviation industries. Krug criticized the fact that no "concrete measures were agreed to stipulating a reduction in the consumption of gasoline."

Groups reacted largely positively to provisions in the agreement on international nature conservation -- the financing, for example, of forest protection and a ban on destructive fisheries practices. "But the new government must engage itself much more strongly in this area by providing billions for climate and rainforest protection in developing countries," Kurg demanded. Tax cuts on biofuels have made them increasingly popular at gas stations. The fuels may emit less carbon dioxide, but they come at the cost of rainforests in Indonesia and Argentina that are being clear cut so that cheap soy and palm oil can be produced.

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• Part 1: How Merkel's New Government Intends to Govern
• Part 2: Taxation, Finances, Budget
• Part 3: Labor, Social Insurance and Pensions
• Part 4: Economy, Energy and Development of the former East German States
• Part 5: Domestic Security, Justice and Internet
• Part 6: Defense, Foreign Policy, Development
• Part 7: Health
• Part 8: Family, Integration and Culture
• Part 9: Environment, Consumers and Agriculture
• Part 10: Construction, Housing and Transportation
• Part 11: Education and Research