If the CDU has its way, North Rhine-Westphalia is now heading straight for black and green.

The board of the party, which was clearly the strongest political force in the state elections on Sunday with 35.7 percent, sent out invitations for exploratory talks not only to the Greens, but also to the SPD and its previous coalition partner FDP.

But the Christian Democrats have a clear preference for the Greens, who at 18.2 percent are stronger than ever in NRW.

A black-green government would have a comfortable majority in parliament.

For his party and for "the second winner of the election", the election result is associated with a responsibility to "deal with the result of the voters carefully and in a concentrated manner," said CDU parliamentary group leader Bodo Löttgen on Tuesday.

Pure burger

Political correspondent in North Rhine-Westphalia.

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"We have very good election programs that you can put side by side, and then it will become clear where there is a considerable need for discussion." North Rhine-Westphalia needs a "modern future alliance to solve the challenges of our time," said Löttgen.

"We must combine and reconcile the fight against climate change with economic success and securing modern jobs." It is also about the best education, internal security, affordable housing and mobility.

"We want to work together reliably and trustingly in a coalition on an equal footing."

"We know where the differences and similarities lie"

The Greens sounded very similar a few minutes later.

"We are ready to take on responsibility - even in difficult times," says top candidate Mona Neubaur.

The country needs a government "up to date" with "strong green handwriting".

Already during the election campaign one read the programs of the competitors.

"We know where the differences and similarities lie," said Neubaur.

Now it is about a step-by-step approach with the necessary haste, but with the necessary care.

However, people in North Rhine-Westphalia have a right to a "good pace" and politicians must show that they are capable of acting.

For the sake of good order, Neubaur made it clear that the Greens would “of course” also talk to the SPD.

"If she invites us."

The Social Democrats fell to a new historic low on Sunday: 26.7 percent.

"First of all, the ball is clearly in the hands of the Union," said SPD parliamentary group leader Thomas Kuschaty, who has apparently given up his long-cherished traffic light hope.

For now, there will be black-green talks.

"Of course, that is the top priority, and it also corresponds very clearly to the election result."

A little later, the re-elected FDP parliamentary group leader Christof Rasche said: "I assume that we will talk to each other, but one thing is clear: there will be black and green, and nothing else is up for debate."