Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian CSU sister party won the election on Sunday and are likely to lead the next coalition government.
Below is a summary of their key policy positions, according to their election campaign programme:
ECONOMY
The CDU wants to cut red tape, encourage investments and reduce energy prices to boost the economy.
It wants to lower electricity taxes and grid fees, expand renewable energy, power storage and nuclear power research. It would abolish Germany's supply chain due diligence law.
The party promises to support industry through digitalisation, sovereign AI, and cloud applications. A Digital Ministry would be established along with a "Startup Protection Zone" to shield new companies from red tape.
FINANCE
The CDU wants to cut corporate tax to a maximum of 25% from an average of 29.9%. It wants to maintain a tax benefit for married couples and give more tax benefits for children.
Other parties have criticised the CDU, arguing that the party does not spell out how all the promised tax cuts would be financed.
The CDU has pledged to retain Germany's debt brake, a constitutional mechanism that caps the federal government's deficit to a mere 0.35% of output and that has been criticised for stymieing investment. But party leader Friedrich Merz has left the door open to reform the debt brake without spelling out how.
MIGRATION AND BORDER CONTROL
The CDU advocates stricter border controls, faster asylum processing, and deportation for those without legal residency. It calls for a reform of the European asylum law, proposing that applications should be processed in safe third countries rather than within the EU.
The party seeks to limit social benefits for those required to leave, expand the list of safe countries of origin, and suspend policies such as permitting families of refugees with a subsidiary protection status to move to Germany.
It also aims to reverse the current government's fast-track naturalization policy and restrict people from holding dual citizenship.
At the same time, the CDU plans to simplify the recognition of foreign professional qualifications and create a digital "Work-and-Stay Agency" to streamline recruitment, visas and residence permits for skilled foreign workers.
SECURITY
The CDU advocates for stronger law enforcement measures, including harsher punishments, expedited legal proceedings, and increased surveillance at high-risk locations.
It proposes closing mosques that preach hate and anti-Semitism and promises stronger action against right-wing and left-wing extremist groups.
FOREIGN POLICY
The CDU is committed to complying with the NATO quota of 2% of gross domestic product on defence spending as a minimum. It wants to reintroduce mandatory military service and lead an initiative for a European missile defence system.
The party has been against common European borrowing for defence, although Merz earlier this month said he would be open to discuss options on how to finance an increase on defence spending.
It advocates stronger transatlantic ties with the U.S. and renewed cooperation with France and Poland. It backs Ukraine with diplomatic, financial, humanitarian, and military aid. It supports Israel and backs a two-state solution.
The party calls for reducing reliance on China.
CLIMATE
Under the "Yes to Cars" policy, the CDU opposes measures such as inner-city driving bans, parking space reductions, and a general highway speed limit.
It advocates lifting the EU's planned combustion engine ban, reviewing fleet emission limits, and preventing penalties for carmakers failing to meet emissions targets while also expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
The party seeks to abolish the law phasing out oil and gas domestic heating but supports tax incentives for energy-efficient housing renovations. It also proposes reinstating agricultural diesel subsidies and promote emissions trading.
SOCIAL POLICIES
The CDU plans to boost housing supply by simplifying building regulations, expanding construction zones and promoting social housing investments.
It wants to introduce mandatory preschool language tests for German proficiency and promises to improve student financial aid and to gradually increase child benefits and tax allowances.
It proposes expanding childcare access, increasing tax deductions for childcare expenses, and reversing a law passed last year that cuts regulations for gender transitions.
President Trump called on countries to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Starmer said the UK is working with allies to restore naviga...
Senior officials from the United States and China met in Paris this week for a new round of trade talks, as the world’s two largest economies...
Court documents released on Monday (16 March) revealed that the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) ...
Governments around the world are responding cautiously to U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for countries to send naval ships to the Strait ...
Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea on Friday (13 March), according to Poland’s Operational...
Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz agreed on Wednesday in Beijing to strengthen economic cooperation while addressing trade imbalances, market access concerns, and the war in Ukraine, during Merz’s first official visit to China since taking office.
Despite its economic might, the European Union is often labelled a “geopolitical dwarf.” The only region where it acts as an indisputable player, able to assert its will with relative ease, is the Western Balkans, along with parts of Eastern Europe.
“Real security guarantees are needed before the war ends,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday (14 February), warning that Russian aggression shows no sign of relenting.
Europe needs to develop global partnerships with key nations to tackle global problems together, chancellor tells Munich Security Conference
Iran says it is open to talks with countries seeking safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz - disrupted by recent attacks - as Israel continues to launch wide‑scale strikes on Iranian infrastructure in the west. This live report tracks the latest developments.
President Trump called on countries to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Starmer said the UK is working with allies to restore navigation and stabilise oil markets. It comes as a strike near Iraq’s western border killed several Hashed al-Shaabi fighters, raising regional tensions.
The other evening, I was fuelling my car at a petrol station in Kenya’s capital. It was one of those small moments most motorists barely notice. The attendant filled the tank, I glanced at the pump price, paid, and drove off.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 15 March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials launched a new round of talks in Paris on Sunday (15 March) to resolve issues in their trade truce. The discussions aim to smooth the way for U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of March.
Senior officials from the United States and China met in Paris this week for a new round of trade talks, as the world’s two largest economies attempt to manage their economic rivalry and avoid further tensions.
Court documents released on Monday (16 March) revealed that the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has asked a U.S. judge to dismiss President Donald Trump's $10 billion defamation suit over a 2024 documentary, arguing his re-election proves the edited 2021 speech did not harm his reputation.
Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea on Friday (13 March), according to Poland’s Operational Command.
Russia has imposed a fine of 35 million roubles (around $432,366) on the messaging platform Telegram for failing to remove content deemed illegal by the authorities, according to the Interfax news agency.
Madagascar's president, Michael Randrianirina announced the appointment of anti-corruption chief Mamitiana Rajaonarison as prime minister, six days after dismissing the previous premier along with the entire cabinet.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment