The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU) have united to deliver their election program, representing their ambitions for Germany as it approaches its next Bundestag elections. During a press conference, leaders Friedrich Merz and Markus Söder presented their comprehensive manifesto, emphasizing themes of economic growth, public safety, and national cohesion.
At the heart of their campaign message is the assertion: "Unser Plan für ein Land, das wieder Wohlstand für alle schafft" (Our Plan for a Country That Creates Prosperity for All). Both Merz and Söder expressed confidence following the enthusiastic approval of their joint program, aimed at addressing the pressing social and economic challenges Germany faces today.
"We have created this election program together, presenting it as one. This shows the Union has found new unity," stated Merz, showcasing the party's renewed strength. The economic stagnation, growing internal security threats, and eroding public trust are significant concerns they aim to tackle through this program.
CDU and CSU leaders argue for significant policy shifts, proclaiming, "Without the economy, nothing works". They intend to revamp Germany’s welfare system, putting forth proposals to replace the existing Bürgergeld (citizen's money) with a New Basic Income scheme. Merz emphasized the need to revive the principle of rewarding hard work: "We want to reinstate the principle of encouraging and demanding, where those who can work should not be held back by failed welfare systems."
For the CDU and CSU, the commitment to lower social contributions to 40 percent and allow tax-free overtime signifies their candid approach to invigorate both individuals and businesses. A notable proposal includes gradually reducing company taxation to 25 percent and ensuring larger take-home pay for workers.
While the leaders reaffirmed the retirement age at 67, new policies such as the Early Start Pension are aimed at facilitating retirement plans from age six. The program plans to allow senior citizens to earn up to €2,000 tax-free without losing their pensions—important changes aimed at accommodating demographic shifts.
Another key pillar focuses on safety and security. Amid rising crime statistics, CDU and CSU pledged actionable reforms, such as implementing electronic monitoring for offenders and establishing more rigorous control measures at crime hotspots through enhanced surveillance. "We will re-establish law and order," Merz proclaimed, addressing citizens' growing concerns about security.
The emphasis on order transcends just crime, with the party planning stringent immigration laws. Echoing sentiments from previous government leaders, CDU/CSU proposes to reject anyone attempting to claim asylum if they had previously sought it elsewhere. Merz’s assertive tone highlights their stance: “Whoever commits crimes here has no long-term right to remain.”
This hardline approach on immigration is echoed throughout their proposals, which include stricter asylum processes, limiting dual citizenship, and increasing demands for integration from migrants—asserting modern Germany’s values of freedom and democracy.
Recent polling puts the CDU at the forefront, garnering about 30% of electoral support among German voters, positioning Merz's party as the primary contender for the upcoming elections slated for February 2025. Their strategy seems rooted in addressing the urgent and often contentious topics currently at the forefront of public discourse.
The manifesto also outlined substantial intentions for military and defense adjustments, proposing to invest at least 2% of the nation’s GDP to meet NATO obligations—bolstering Germany’s defense mechanisms, particularly against the backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions stemming from conflicts like the war in Ukraine.
"We are equipping the Bundeswehr to become fully capable of defense again," said Merz, showcasing the CDU’s determination to not only modernize Germany’s military but also assert its support for global partners, particularly during crises.
Within this framework lies the party’s plan to trim corporate taxes, abolish narrow loopholes, and incentivize employment among senior citizens and the unemployed alike. Merz criticized the previous administration, contending they led Germany toward recession and underscoring the need for reform within welfare. Suggesting changes to the current basic security payment system, the CDU proposes to enforce sanctions against those unwilling to work.
Leading up to the elections, CDU and CSU's joint proposal also includes plans to reduce bureaucracy, create tax-free overtime, and push back on compliance with some EU regulations—strategically aimed at bolstering the economy and easing the burden on small and medium enterprises.
Markus Söder echoed Merz’s sentiments, stressing the party's readiness to facilitate the needed policy changes, highlighting the sentiment of national pride and unification. “Germany can do it,” he stated firmly, vowing to build trust among citizens and drive the country forward.
For voters concerned about their future, the CDU and CSU’s manifesto presents both familiar themes and new commitments pitched to shift the political winds of the country. They assert: “This election is no less than a directional decision for our country.”
With the election only weeks away, the stakes are high for Germany's CDU and CSU. The joint program lays the foundation for Merz's bid for chancellorship, as the party rallies behind the vision of restoring confidence and bolstering Germany’s economic and social fabric.
