The Union's proposed election program has sparked debates as it promises significant tax cuts and induction of stricter asylum policies, yet many details remain vague.
Scheduled for approval, the draft program titled "Politikwechsel für Deutschland" is largely shaped by CDU's General Secretary Carsten Linnemann and his counterpart from CSU, Martin Huber, along with parliamentary leader Thorsten Frei and Alexander Dobrindt, head of the CSU group in the Bundestag.
One of the flagship offerings of this election program is aimed at restoring public trust through what the Union is calling "a new prosperity promise." This ambitious term, though, does not extensively address the major crises currently facing the nation.
On taxation, the Union is proposing to gradually flatten income tax rates. They intend to raise the threshold for the top income tax rate and to reduce corporate taxation, completely abolishing the solidarity surcharge currently imposed only on high-income earners. They also advocate for enhanced commuter allowances, tax-free overtime payments, and increasing tax-free allowances for property acquisition and inheritance.
Although the Union outlines numerous proposals to engage the public, the draft paper noticeably lacks concrete timelines or detailed financial strategies to support these tax policies. Critics have remarked on the absence of any mention of tax hikes to cover these vast reductions, alongside the outright rejection of implementing any wealth tax.
The vague phrasing surrounding the debt brake also does little to assuage concerns, merely stating, 'We will adhere to the constitutional debt brake,' which has sparked speculation about the Union's potential reforms to fiscal policies many officials are advocating for.
Promising immediate actions, the program asserts the need to curb migration due to overburdened integration capabilities, advocating for what they describe as "a practical admissions stop." Anyone arriving to claim asylum from another EU state or Schengen territory would be sent back under their regime, which raises questions about legality and could provoke objections from other EU nations.
Union leaders assert they have learned from previous governance mistakes during the asylum crisis, and intend to implement significant reform from day one if elected. Among these changes are rapid procedures and immediate deportations, marking family reunification for refugees with subsidiary protection as abolished.
The resolution type commits to limiting social benefits for those required to leave Germany to the basic essentials as represented by the slogan "Bett, Brot und Seife" (bed, bread, and soap), signifying minimal support.
These immigration policies diverge starkly from their predecessors, tightening the current asylum procedures and reinforcing the importance of one’s contribution to the workforce.
On the sustainability front, the Union claims allegiance to the Paris Climate Accord targeting climate neutrality by 2045 and envisions CO2 pricing as central to achieving this. Their plans include reducing electricity taxes and network fees, thereby making electricity cheaper for consumers.
A marked emphasis is placed on bolstering nuclear energy research, including reconsideration of shutting down reactors, which finds acknowledgment from industry experts warning of practical obstacles.
Regarding retirement policies, the Union maintains adherence to the existing legal retirement age, contradicting previous promises for increments based on life expectancy. They plan to introduce the so-called "Aktivrente," allowing individuals who continue working beyond legal retirement age to benefit from tax exemptions up to certain income thresholds.
Outside of economic policies, the program keep s a firm stance on foreign affairs, demanding increased sanctions against Russia and conveying strong support for Ukraine. Although, on NATO membership for Ukraine, their position seems less assertive, sticking strictly to EU membership principles.
Defense spending proposals indicate commitment to a minimum of two percent of the GDP with notions of reintroducing military conscription, reinforcing their stance on strengthening the Bundeswehr (German military).
Despite these ambitious bids for power, observers are cautious about the Union’s strategies. Their proposals enjoy widespread popularity among voters; nonetheless, they may face hurdles when it becomes necessary to negotiate with potential coalition partners like SPD or The Greens, both of whom have voiced strong concerns about certain elements of the proposed policies.
Matthias Miersch, SPD’s Secretary-General, has criticized the program stating, "Friedrich Merz plans billion-dollar tax cuts primarily benefiting high earners and corporations, leaving unanswered who will carry the weight of the costs."
While CDU and CSU are expected to finalize and publicly present their program, the feasibility and practicality of their proposals remain hotly debated topics as the elections approach.
