CDU's Election Agenda Emphasizes Economic Strength, Secure Security Strategy, and Equal Educational Chances
Solingen's CDU Unveils Election Manifesto for a Strengthened, Social, and Secure City
The CDU Solingen rocked the Citizens' Hall of the Evangelical City Church on Wednesday with a resounding endorsement for mayoral candidate Daniel Flemm and the approval of their election program for the local election taking place on September 14th. This momentous gathering marked the organizational and political restart of the party, with Flemm drawing a definitive line under Solingen's recent political past in his key speech.
"On November 1st, we'll take a stand and draw a line under the politics of the last years. We're starting anew - with a solid team. We're committed to working tirelessly every day to propel this city towards a prosperous future," Flemm declared.
A City Reborn: A Program for All
Around 50 eligible party members attended the district conference, where an election program was adopted with twelve clear priorities that aim to benefit all residents and workers in Solingen.
"Our goal is to make Solingen a little better every day. Our citizens deserve nothing less. It's time for the CDU - and time for Daniel Flemm," stated district chairman Sebastian Haug.
Endorsements poured in from Düsseldorf, with NRW Minister of the Interior Herbert Reul praising the clarity of focus on security policy, while Minister of Education Dorothee Feller highlighted the importance of municipal education policy.
Economic Powerhouse: Flemm Sets the Pace
In an engaging and content-rich speech, Flemm sketched out his vision for Solingen, placing a particular emphasis on the economic future: "We'll revamp economic promotion. Solingen companies - from sole proprietorships to corporations - need stability and direct contact points. That's exactly what we'll deliver."
Flemm made it clear that fostering economic growth wasn't just a catchphrase but a prerequisite for social security: "We rank the economy as our top priority - because we know what we're talking about."
Looking at the trade tax base, Flemm noted, "65 percent of the income stems from the manufacturing sector. This industrious backbone of our city demands our full support - as a politics, as an administration, as a society."
Education: From Numbers to Solutions
Another keystone topic for Flemm: education. He pledged to review planning processes objectively - say, at Vogelsang School - and establish new priorities: "We must honestly ask ourselves: Were the right decisions made here?"
Currently, Solingen lacks over 800 kindergarten spaces and 500 OGS places, creating a significant burden for many families. "This is an unacceptable situation. Anyone unable to secure a childcare place can't shape their life freely. That has to - and will - change," Flemm promisingly asserted.
His goal is to bring more flexibility, less bureaucracy, and real opportunities for every child: "Every child in Solingen should experience: You can achieve anything."
Strengthening Security and Rebuilding Administration
The CDU Solingen intends to forge new paths in the realm of security, with plans for a modern fire station, a central hub for the public order service, and sustainable personnel management. "We need a robust security structure - one that works, and one that retains its members due to attractive conditions," explained Flemm.
Reflecting on the city administration, Flemm believes they stand on the precipice of change: "If we don't fundamentally reform now, the system will eventually collapse. We need modern processes, more service, and better working conditions - especially in kindergartens and schools."
Climate: Actionable Solutions over Lectures
In climate policy, Flemm advocates for practical, impactful solutions - rather than finger-wagging: "People want to know what politics brings - flood protection for Burg, more urban green spaces, and better infrastructure. That's our approach."
The CDU places a premium on volunteering, with plans to establish a central office to streamline permit and process-related hurdles for volunteers. "Volunteering should face obstacles, but rather receive assistance. Our role as a city should be facilitative, not inhibitory," Flemm emphasized.
With the adopted program and a resolute front, the CDU Solingen signals its determination to influence the city's destiny - extending beyond a singular electoral term. "We have a clear framework, clear priorities, and a clear sense of responsibility. I'm running to propel Solingen forward for at least ten years. Together. With conviction. With a plan."
CDU Presents Slate for Integration Council Election for the First Time
A historic milestone unfolded at the Citizens' Hall of the Evangelical City Church in the city center on Wednesday: The CDU Solingen held its inaugural members' meeting to nominate their list of candidates for the election to the Migration and Integration Council on September 14th.
"We want to give a voice to residents with international backgrounds in Solingen and proactively engage them in our democracy," said Carsten Becker, CDU council member and chairman of the committee for urban planning. The Integration Council plays a critical role in articulating the interests of migrants and fostering political engagement in this area - an area that should not be left to other parties alone.
"The CDU champions social cohesion - also in the Integration Council," Becker insisted. "With our list, we aim to demonstrate: We're open to anyone who wishes to contribute."
The elected candidates, who reflect Solingen's diversity, include an OGS director, students, an entrepreneur, a car salesman, a fire department inspector candidate, and a scientific advisor. Many have their own migration experiences.
Behind the Scenes
The Migration and Integration Council in Solingen advises the city council on integration matters. All Solingen residents with international backgrounds who meet certain criteria - such as having lived in Germany for a year, being at least 16 years old, and having resided in Solingen for at least three months - are eligible to vote on September 14.
- The CDU Solingen's election manifesto, adopted during the district conference, encompasses a 12-point plan aimed at strengthening policy-and-legislation in areas such as security, economy, education, climate, and integration, all serving to benefit the city's residents and workers.
- The CDU Solingen's slate for the Integration Council election includes candidates of diverse backgrounds, each with unique experiences, to foster active engagement and representation of general-news issues pertaining to residents with international backgrounds in the city's politics.
