(de-news.net) – The Union parties plan on implementing comprehensive tax relief as well as stricter migration policies should they win the forthcoming Bundestag elections. The CDU-CSU election program for the Bundestag election on February 23 is perceived by Parliamentary Secretary Thorsten Frei (CDU) as a blueprint for a fresh start in Germany. Frei stressed in an interview that the program represents a new beginning in economic policy, advocating for lower taxes, greater performance equity, competitive energy and electricity prices, enhanced security, and secure borders. The Union aims to propel Germany forward with this program, necessitating a swift political shift. The program will be officially presented next Tuesday following a joint meeting of the CDU and CSU boards by party leaders Friedrich Merz and Markus Söder.
In November, the Union had announced plans to reverse at least ten laws enacted during the traffic light coalition’s tenure if they win the Bundestag election. According to a media report, the controversial Building Energy Act will be reverted to its original form, and the current form of citizen’s income will be abolished, to be replaced by a “New Basic Security” that both supports and demands. Linnemann stated that those who can work but choose not to will no longer receive social benefits. Additionally, the legalization of cannabis will be rescinded, the phase-out of nuclear energy be revised, naturalizations after three and five years will be halted, and the Self-Determination Act will be reversed. Retirees will benefit from an “Active Pension” as part of the immediate action program. Those who reach the statutory retirement age and wish to continue working voluntarily will be allowed to earn up to 2,000 Euros per month outside of taxation. This measure aims to activate hundreds of thousands of individuals.
Linnemann, also in November, announced several other changes under a CDU government, including cuts for refugees from Ukraine. He argued that the current system provides the wrong incentives, and proposed that the Asylum Seekers’ Benefits Act should apply to Ukrainian refugees from a specific date. Budget cuts are expected to total ten billion Euros per year, with an additional ten billion Euros saved through stricter migration policies. Linnemann emphasized the need to ensure the country’s defense capability and relieve those who contribute to the nation’s progress. He also reaffirmed the commitment to maintaining the debt brake.
On an international scale, Linnemann last month announced a new initiative for the failed TTIP free trade agreement, suggesting that a new transatlantic trade agreement could be pursued under Friedrich Merz, Donald Trump, and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
