Election program: With these topics the Union is catching votes

The Union is actually not a classic program party. But now she has set out on 140 pages how she wants to make politics after the federal election.

The electoral program of the Union focuses on a wide range of topics on its 140 pages. The focus is on a modernization promise for Germany as a consequence of the corona pandemic and the clear rejection of tax increases.

The paper is entitled «The program for stability and renewal. Together for a modern Germany »and was unanimously decided on Monday by the heads of both parties.

The most important points in the election manifesto:

– ECONOMY: Companies should «no new burdens are imposed» so that the economy can get going again after the pandemic. New taxes on assets such as the wealth tax or the increase in inheritance tax are rejected. Companies are also to be relieved of billions in bureaucratic costs.

– KLIMA: Germany’s greenhouse gas neutrality is to be implemented with a binding European emissions trading system by 2045. Any additional burdens that arise should be compensated for with “targeted relief in the areas of housing and mobility”. Specific CO2 prices are not given. The proceeds are to be given back in full to citizens and companies.

– TRANSPORT: The Union wants to create a roadmap for climate neutrality in road traffic, but unlike in previous drafts, the decision no longer mentions the year 2035 for the end of the fossil fuel combustion. A diesel driving ban is rejected, as is a general speed limit on motorways. They rely on modern traffic control. The rail infrastructure is to be expanded.

– AGRICULTURE: Farmers should receive more appreciation and more added value. In order to secure grazing animals, the Union is campaigning for a review of the strict protection status of the wolf in European nature conservation law.

– SOCIAL: Demands for an increase in the retirement age are not included in the draft. In addition, the CSU and CDU promise to prevent double taxation of pensions. The Union wants to develop a concept to establish a new form of funded old-age provision. “A generational pension can be a good building block for old-age provision from birth,” says the paper. A new start is necessary for private, state-sponsored old-age provision, “so that it is more worthwhile”.

– FINANCE, TAXES: The Union wants to return to a federal budget with no new debt as soon as possible. She rejects changes to the constitution to weaken the debt brake. The draft does not announce any major tax relief for citizens.

– STATE AND ADMINISTRATION: In future, digital administrative procedures are to become the norm, and planning and approval procedures are to be accelerated. In a federalism reform, the Union wants to put the tasks of the federal, state and local governments to the test.

– INTERNAL SECURITY: The Union promises a “strong state” that protects its citizens. To do this, an «update of all security authorities» is necessary with more staff, better equipment and up-to-date skills and powers. The Union demands more police presence and the relief of the police from bureaucratic tasks. Video surveillance should be expanded and the protection of the emergency services improved.

– LIVING: By 2025, the Union has set itself the goal of building more than 1.5 million new apartments. As an investment incentive, the temporary depreciation options for rental apartment construction are to be extended. In addition, there should be a federal construction program and incentives for the construction of company apartments. In the energetic renovation of the building stock, tenants would have to be protected from financial overload. The tax incentives for energy-efficient renovation are to be improved.

– INTERNATIONAL POLITICS: The Union wants Germany to «actively contribute to international crisis management and to shaping the world order» within the framework of the EU, NATO, the United Nations and other organizations. China should be met on an equal footing. Wherever possible, however, close cooperation with China should be sought – within the framework of fair competition. Regarding Russia it is said: The country challenges «our values. We do not want this to turn into a serious military threat for us in Europe again ».

– EUROPE: The internal cohesion of the EU should not be weakened by the admission of new members. Turkey will not join the EU with the Union.

– MIGRATION: People in need should continue to be helped and migration should be effectively controlled and limited at the same time. Beyond the existing regulations, no further family reunification should be granted. The right to stay for rejected asylum seekers should be more restricted. Obligations to leave the country should be better enforced and collective deportations should be made easier.

– CULTURE: The Union wants to work for the «care and preservation of old customs, costumes and folk dances as well as local songs.

– SPACE: Space travel is declared to be a key industry from which medium-sized companies should also benefit. To this end, a space law is to be passed that is friendly to start-ups and SMEs. At the international level, the Union wants to work for the sustainable use of space.

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