The CDU/CSU Union has unveiled its election platform for the upcoming Bundestag elections slated for February 23, 2025, promising to implement significant political changes aimed at revitalizing Germany's socio-economic framework. With the aim of facilitating what they term as a 'political change,' the party leaders, CDU’s Friedrich Merz and CSU’s Markus Söder, joined forces with General Secretary Carsten Linnemann and Parliamentary Manager Thorsten Frei to lay out their 79-page proposal, which seeks to address the current economic and social challenges facing the nation.
During preliminary discussions, Frei communicated the core message of the platform, asserting, "Das Wahlprogramm der Union steht für einen Neustart," which translates to 'the Union’s election program stands for a new start.' The CDU and CSU lawmakers have crafted several contentious yet ambitious initiatives, aiming to cater particularly to low- and middle-income earners as they begin their electoral campaign. A significant highlight is the gradual reduction of the income tax rate, as well as the proposed abolition of the solidarity surcharge, which has often been critiqued as serving only higher-income brackets.
Notably, the CDU/CSU also promises to exempt overtime bonuses for full-time work from taxation, indicating their commitment to reducing the financial burdens on workers. The proposed amendments extend beyond tax relief, as the platform includes stringent measures to alter existing welfare systems. According to the draft proposal, "Wir stellen Überstundenzuschläge bei Vollzeitarbeit steuerfrei," which emphasizes their pledge to alleviate additional financial strain on employees.
Addressing the pressing issue of retirement benefits, the Union reaffirmed their stance against increasing the retirement age, insisting, "Rentenkürzungen wird es mit uns nicht geben," or 'there will be no cuts to pensions under our leadership.' Current proposals indicate preserving the so-called 'Rente mit 63' (pension at 63) which allows individuals with extensive service records to retire earlier—a policy criticized by some economists as fostering longer work life without sufficient benefits.
Shifting gears, the election platform places a heightened focus on immigration control, expressing concerns about current migration levels. A pivotal statement within the framework notes, "Der Zuzug ist zu viel und nicht mehr stemmbar," emphasizing the party’s view on the urgent need to tighten asylum procedures. The CDU and CSU aim to impose strict border controls and quick deportations, as well as limit family reunification options for asylum seekers with subsidiary protection status, presenting themselves as the party poised to address demographic shifts aggressively.
Their plans even extend to reevaluations of the existing welfare system, particularly aiming to phase out the Bürgergeld program established under the current coalition. The proposal presents ideas for creating what they term as ‘new basic security’ for those unwilling to engage actively with the labor market. These radical changes highlight the coalition's determination to reshape existing social contracts and enforce policies promising to instill greater accountability among benefit recipients.
Security policies featured prominently, with significant assertions made about establishing a national security council based at the Chancellor's office, tasked with managing Germany's defense and international relations. The draft portrays the party’s dedication to strengthening military capacity and international loyalty, particularly support for Ukraine amid its conflict and unwavering solidarity with Israel.
Moving forward, the Union leaders are poised to officially launch their election program on December 17, 2024. Until then, their ambitious proposals are expected to fuel debates across Germany's political spectator sphere. The anticipated election platform's reflection of conservatism intertwined with economic liberalism could reshape voter perceptions and party alignments leading up to the elections.
By rejecting previous policies associated with the current coalition, the CDU/CSU is implying the need for Germany to revert back to core conservative values, seeking to engage the working populace and wrest control of the immigration narrative. The question now is whether these strategies will resonate with voters feeling the pressures of economic instability and social change.
