Draft basic program: What the CDU wants in terms of content

In the draft for a new basic program, the CDU is relying on far-reaching changes to asylum and migration policy. Also: commitments to a German dominant culture, nuclear power and reforms in pension and labor market policy.

The Christian Democrats want to reposition themselves with new principles after losing power in 2021. A new basic program has been intensively written for months, with Secretary General Carsten Linnemann taking the lead. A first draft is now available.

“If there were an early federal election, we would be ready,” said Linnemann at the presentation at the CDU party headquarters. People in Germany are unsettled and need orientation and support. “And we will provide this orientation with this basic program.” His deputy on the policy commission, Thuringia’s CDU leader Mario Voigt, said the program shows that the party wants to return to old strengths and at the same time take up new topics.

The 70-page paper is entitled “Live in freedom. Lead Germany safely into the future”. The CDU defines itself as a “people’s party of the center and a party of the common good”. The content of the draft is likely to cause widespread discussion. Accordingly, the CDU wants a radical system change in asylum policy, as well as commitments to a German dominant culture and nuclear power as well as reforms in pension and labor market policy. The key points at a glance:

migration

The party relies on the concept of safe third countries. Anyone who applies for asylum in Europe should be transferred to a safe third country and go through a procedure there. “In the event of a positive outcome, the safe third country will grant the applicant protection on site.” A comprehensive contractual agreement should be concluded with safe third countries.

After the third country concept has been successfully established, “a coalition of the willing within the EU would annually take in a contingent of vulnerable people from abroad” and distribute it among the “coalitionists”. With a humanitarian contingent there would be one Upper limit for the influx – but the CDU does not give a specific figure for this.

Leading culture

“Everyone who wants to live here must recognize our guiding culture without any ifs and buts.” This included respect for the dignity of every human being, fundamental and human rights, the rule of law, respect and tolerance as well as the Recognition of Israel’s right to exist. “Only those who commit to our dominant culture can integrate and become German citizens.”

The fight is against those who stir up hatred and violence and strive for an Islamist order. “Sharia does not belong to Germany.” The draft states: “Muslims who share our values ​​belong to Germany.” The CDU is also distancing itself from a sentence made by then Federal President Christian Wulff (CDU), who said in 2010: “Islam now also belongs to Germany.”

The draft shows mandatory year of company for all school leavers on the basis of a uniform regulation. This is “a great opportunity to strengthen cohesion in our society.” Every child should have a uniform and compulsory course at the age of four Language test make.

pension

If the pension should be kept affordable, “there is a lot to be said for it Lifetime working time for those who can work must increase, and consequently the standard retirement age is linked to life expectancy.” One should be for everyone mandatory funded pension provision be introduced – government subsidies are necessary for people with low incomes.

In order to make work attractive in old age, one should “Active pension” be introduced. Anyone who wants to continue working voluntarily after reaching statutory retirement age should have their salary tax-free up to a certain amount.

Household

Solid finances are a requirement of intergenerational justice – “the guarantee of this is the Debt brake“. Shadow budgets such as debt-financed special funds would be fundamentally rejected because they make it difficult to adhere to the principles of budgetary truth and clarity. Debt-financed special funds “may only be set up in extremely exceptional cases and may not later be reallocated for other purposes”.

On the job market should overtime be tax-free if you work full-time. Small and medium incomes should relieved and working pensioners receive better tax treatment. “Anyone who receives social benefits and can work should work.” Anyone who wants to work more than before should find attractive conditions to do so.

The armed forces Should be allowed to be used domestically in special threat situations in which only the Bundeswehr has specific capabilities to avert danger. The Bundeswehr’s serious capability gaps would have to be closed within ten years. A reintroduction of the Conscription The CDU does not demand this – however, there should be “no bans on thinking about the future”.

energy

Instead of using coal, they want to use it in the next decade Gas power plants the previously missing possibility of long-term storage of renewable energies and the necessary base loads. She is also calling for a U-turn on the nuclear phase-out. The CDU emphasizes: “Germany cannot currently take advantage of this option Nuclear power waive.”

Gendering

The CDU is in favor of gender-equitable language, “but against gender coercion“. The CDU wants “no grammatically incorrect gender language to be used in all authorities, schools, universities and other state institutions as well as in public broadcasting.”

The new basic program is to be officially approved by the board at a meeting on January 12th and 13th in Heidelberg. The draft will then be discussed with the members and then approved by the 1,001 delegates at the party conference in May. Linnemann said he expected up to 1,000 amendments.

The CDU initiated the process of a new basic program after losing power in the 2021 federal election. The current basic program dates back to 2007.