I admit that some of the above is quite misty, especially regarding the fiscal intertwining between Bund and Länder (one reason is that I don't understand them very well myself). But the important thing is that they actually agreed on getting political competences straight again. This means that decisions can finally be made again on the political level to which they constitutionally belong, and that opposition politics takes place on the political level where the decisions actually take effect. This will make the whole decision-making process more transparent again.

Regarding the current coalition talks: I might do a diary about them next week, but as of now, I admit I lost track of some of the current issues during the last few days. Have to get back up to date before commenting on that.