(de-news.net) – Olaf Scholz has been elected in an open vote as the candidate for the office of chancellor at the Social Democrats’ federal party conference in Berlin. Five of about 6000 delegates opposed his candidacy, with no abstentions. Following his election, he galvanized the attendees for a resurgence, asserting, “We will win.”
In his candidacy speech, Scholz delineated the Social Democrats’ election platform, advocating for an increase in the minimum wage to 15 euros. He underscored that millions of employees, particularly in East Germany and women, would benefit directly from this increment. The program emphasizes investments in the economy and infrastructure, as well as social justice. It aspires to achieve equitable wages, affordable housing, and stable pensions. Scholz critiqued the CDU for purportedly seeking to alleviate the tax burden on the wealthiest, which would result in reductions in care and pensions for ordinary citizens. He claimed that the CDU/CSU’s proposals lack financial coverage, whereas the SPD’s proposals would be funded through a “prudent reform” of debt regulations and confined to investments in the economy, security, as well as modernization.
SPD Vice-Chairwoman Verena Hubertz had one day earlier reiterated the party’s principal themes for the forthcoming election campaign, emphasizing tax relief for taxpayers and incentives for increased investments. The SPD intends to establish a “Germany Fund” to finance participations and loans, mobilizing 100 billion euros of public and private capital for future investments, supplemented by tax relief. The SPD also aims to reform the debt brake and introduce a “Made in Germany” bonus, covering 10% of investment costs for companies.
According to Hubertz, the maximum duration for parental allowance is to be extended to 18 months, with at least six months allocated to each parent. Both parents are to receive a paid two-week family start period following the birth of a child. The SPD seeks to extend the rent cap indefinitely and augment social housing, although specific figures were not provided. The SPD also plans to reduce income tax for 95% of taxpayers, while the top 1% of earners would contribute more. The VAT on food is to be reduced from 7% to 5%, and higher taxes are to be imposed on substantial inheritances, with a wealth tax reintroduced for the super-rich.
