Germany ’s center-left Social Democrats have approved a deal to join a new coalition government, paving the way for parliament to elect conservative leader Friedrich Merz as the country’s new chancellor.

Germany’s Social Democrats voted in favor of the coalition deal with Friedrich Merz’s conservatives, clearing the way for the leader of the conservative bloc to be confirmed as chancellor next week.

The incoming German government of Friedrich Merz said it will tighten and expand border controls in an effort to combat irregular immigration.