The CDU and CSU are gearing up for the upcoming Bundestag elections with their campaign platform etched clearly against the backdrop of political shifts and public demands. Highlighting their priorities, the parties aim to overturn current policies introduced by the governing coalition, known as the Ampel, and restore what they envision as traditional values and effective governance.
Positioned to confront voter disillusionment, the Union proposes establishing a new Federal Agency for Immigration and offers various tax relief measures. Notably, they pledge to repeal the cannabis legalization initiative, heating law, and self-determination act established by the current government, as they seek to depict themselves as the answers to the critiques against the Ampel coalition’s "ideologically-driven policies." Recent polls suggest the Union ranks between 30 to 36 percent, signaling significant support as they reinforce their narrative.
The CDU and CSU are calling for stringent measures within their immigration policy framework, promoting what they term as zero-tolerance strategies. They intend to ramp up penalties for wrong-doing, expand electronic monitoring, and bolster video surveillance, clearly indicating where they believe public safety has eroded. Their insistence on rigorous border controls and rapid asylum processes come amid accusations of the incumbent government failing to manage immigration properly.
Among their proposals lies the promise of strict migration control methods, including systematic deportations and declaring more countries as safe origins, emphasizing their commitment to limiting asylum and immigration influxes. The inherent message of their platform reinforces commitment to national integrity, with social benefits for certain groups facing stringent limits as they relate to integration agreements.
On economic fronts, the Union has resolved to maintain the debt brake and pare down bureaucracy, all the more advocating for expanded fiscal policies targeting investment and innovation. Their vision puts forward progressive tax decisions, including enhancing the basic allowance, lowering the VAT on food, and establishing agricultural tax rebates, placing strong emphasis on reviving economies post COVID-19 disruptions.
The CDU and CSU platform is also predicated on enhancing the national defense strategy, as they propose establishing a National Security Council to focus on security and military matters, aiming to allocate at least two percent of GDP to defense initiatives. The parties advocate for the reintroduction of military conscription and reinforced partnerships with nations including Israel and Ukraine, ensuring their commitment to international cooperation against adversaries like Russia.
Additions to their social policy involve plans for adjusting child benefits and necessitating language tests for immigrants, as well as maintaining stringent measures against social benefit misuse. They want to reform social assistance programs, replacing current efforts with what they describe as new basic security aligned on principles of productivity and accountability.
Innovation becomes another focal point within their educational directive, proposing research and development funding increase to 3.5 percent of GDP by 2030. This effort aims at securing Germany’s position as a leader within advanced technologies, such as quantum computing, as they fully recognize the imperative role of education and training for future labor markets.
Nonetheless, it’s their stance on climate change and environmental policy where the CDU and CSU see contention. They propose refocusing climate efforts through market-based mechanisms instead of government regulations. Their plan to dismantle current environmental measures establishes intent to pivot from strict controls to innovative market solutions, including examining possible reopenings of shuttered nuclear power plants.
With campaign promises spanning across various operational spectrums, the CDU and CSU are poised for the electoral battle slated for February 23, 2025. Their outlined approach encapsulates both severe criticism of the current governing coalition and the potential lure of traditional governance and social responsibility, setting the stage for what promises to be a tightly contested election.