(de-news.net) – This year, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) intends to launch a far-reaching overhaul of state functions aimed at redefining the scope and effectiveness of public action. According to a draft prepared for the party leadership’s retreat, a comprehensive review of public responsibilities is to be completed by 2026. This approach is based on the assessment that not every policy domain requires direct state regulation and that a clearer delineation of tasks is necessary. Within this framework, federal expenditures are to be subjected to more stringent prioritization, with systematic budget reviews and the dismantling of inefficient subsidy structures viewed as essential to safeguarding long-term fiscal capacity. The CDU further maintains that improving efficiency across all core areas of government is a central objective, which also entails accelerating public procurement procedures and reducing administrative delays.

In parallel, and following the establishment of commissions dedicated to social policy reform, the CDU is increasing pressure on its coalition partner, the Social Democratic Party, to pursue substantive structural changes, particularly within the pension system. The draft stipulates that the pension commission is expected to present workable proposals to stabilize the system by mid-2026, including measures designed to curb incentives for early retirement. At the same time, the commission tasked with reforming statutory health insurance is required to conclude its work within 2026, with a pronounced focus on enhancing efficiency on the expenditure side and an explicit willingness to consider all available policy instruments.

Beyond domestic reform, the CDU is calling for an immediate suspension of European Union initiatives that could impose additional burdens on businesses. Existing EU regulatory frameworks are to be scaled back, while tighter safeguards are to be introduced to prevent future overregulation. The party supports the introduction of a strengthened bureaucracy brake at the European level and advocates an “anti–gold-plating” strategy to roll back national rules that exceed the requirements of EU law. Further priorities include reinforcing transatlantic trade relations and completing outstanding free trade agreements with international partners, with the CDU arguing that such accords should remain focused on trade objectives and not be encumbered by unrelated policy considerations.