📅 Unveiling CDU's New Foundation: The First Sketch
The CDU's Basic Constitution Commission has concluded an extensive 15-hour gathering, producing a preliminary draft of the party's upcoming fundamental program! Chairperson Friedrich Merz showcased the exciting news on social media, announcing its presentation to committees on May 8, 2024, in Berlin. Merz, along with Secretary General Carsten Linnemann, will present this innovative framework to the party's executive committee on the coming Monday.
The existing basic program, which dates back to 2007, is set for a long-awaited update. This new draft aims to secure the approval of the Federal Executive Committee before eventually undergoing thorough discussion and approval by the 1001 delegates at the party conference in May. With around 30% support presently, the CDU is looking to utilize this updated program to position the party as the true 'CDU,' as emphasized by Linnemann.
Pension Pressure Points
As the much-anticipated draft nears, much attention revolves around the controversial issue of pensions. Carsten Linnemann echoed a goal to promote individual responsibility through the new platform, with a strong focus on the notion of a "social year." This intriguing concept would support those unable to work while encouraging those who can work to remain active in the workforce.
An unexpected development by the Expert Commission on Social Security generated headlines in April, proposing an amended retirement age correlating with the rising life expectancy. By 2030, this daring shift would align the retirement age with life expectancy if the projected rate of growth continues.
CDU's Immediate Response Plan
While the pressing matter of pensions demands attention, it's crucial to acknowledge the wider scope of the CDU's proposed changes, dubbed the Sofortprogramm (immediate action plan). This extensive overhaul encompasses several aspects of German politics, economy, and security:
- Economic aid, including tax reductions on electricity and VAT on restaurant foods, as well as subsidies for farmers.
- Abolition of excess administrative regulations and overtime limitations.
- Enhancements to Germany's domestic security by implementing stricter immigration policies and employing ankle tags.
- Streamlining of the German government structure, such as reducing the number of active MPs.
The CDU's Sofortprogramm sheds light on potential collaboration with the SPD's pension policies, but it primarily focuses on other aspects of German politics, economics, and security.
Additional Reading
[1] [CDU's Immediate Action Plan] [2] [Source: stern.de] [3] [Emphasizing Responsibility with CDU's New Program] [4] [Expert Commission on Social Security] [5] [CDU and SPD's Potential Pension Agreements]
Pension Adjustments within CDU's New Foundation
- Tax-Exempt Earnings: The CDU proposal includes granting anyone 66 or older, seeking to work past the national retirement age, the opportunity to earn up to €2,000 per month tax-free. This measure aims to stimulate the involvement of older workers in the workforce without imposing additional income taxes[1][4].
- Guaranteed Pension: The CDU pledges to ensure a pension following 30 years of contribution years[4].
- Enhanced Pension Benefits: The party suggests increasing pension benefits by 120 euros to meet recent inflation and introducing a minimum pension of €1,500 per month after 40 years of employment, with benefits gradually increasing as contributions extend beyond due dates[4].
Revised Tax Structure
- Decreased Income Tax: The CDU aims to diminish the income tax rate and regularly adjust it accordingly to inflation. They also propose increasing the basic tax-free allowance and the income threshold for the top tax bracket[4].
- Lower Corporate Taxes: The CDU pursues reducing tax rates on corporate earnings to 25%, as well as eliminating solidarity surcharges[4].
Revised Value-Added Tax (VAT)
The CDU advocates for decreasing the VAT on food and beverages to 7%[4].
Modified Immigration Policies
- Stricter Migration Policy: The CDU proposals call for strengthening German immigration policies, including expediting deportations and asylum procedures. They aim to transform the right to asylum from an individual right to an objective guarantee[4].
- Asylum Seeker Benefits: The party intends to limit welfare benefits for asylum seekers to the "bed, bread, and soap" principle and restrict asylum family reunifications[4].
Social Reform and Public Services
- Raised Minimum Wage: The CDU proposes increasing the minimum wage to €15 per hour by 2026[4].
- Extended Paid Family Leave: The party aims to extend paid family leave for two weeks after birth and lengthen the parental allowance from 14 to 18 months[4].
- Free Lunch for Children: The CDU pledges to subsidize free lunches for children in daycares and elementary schools[4].
- Improved Job Counseling: The party plans to allocate additional funds to job centers to enhance job counseling and support collective bargaining agreements to lessen pay disparities in the workforce[4].
Healthcare Reform
- Unified Public Health Insurance: The CDU advocates for implementing a single-tier insurance system, where all workers pay in. Their ultimate goal is to eliminate the divide between public and private healthcare, ensuring equal access to treatment[4].
- Healthcare Sector Reform: The party intends to curb profit-making within the healthcare sector, with the majority of profits required to re-invest into the public healthcare system. Additionally, they aim to support nurses by enhancing working conditions and improving wages[4].
Environment and Energy Revitalization
- Political Climate Policy: The CDU's immediate action plan includes the abolition of the Building Energy Act, and the reintroduction of subsidies for agricultural diesel. They also suggest reducing electricity taxes and grid fees. The party seeks to mobilize private funds for a transition to green energy and support the continued expansion of green energy sources like wind power[1][4].
