Closed assembly: Merz is specializing in the subject of development for a scorching election marketing campaign | EUROtoday

In view of stagnating ballot numbers, the CDU led by Union Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz is beginning the new part main as much as the federal election with an “Agenda 2030” for extra development. The indisputable fact that the economic system will get going once more is a “prerequisite for everything else,” mentioned the CDU chief earlier than the beginning of his celebration’s board assembly in Hamburg. Merz needs to combat for even higher approval within the six weeks till the election.

“We can only have a good social policy in Germany with a healthy economy,” mentioned Merz. This additionally applies to environmental coverage. The objective is 2 % development. “It’s ambitious, but it can be achieved if, above all, we re-create some basic requirements.” In the night, the CDU board unanimously authorized a paper for an “Agenda 2030”, which goals, amongst different issues, at tax reform, a extra versatile labor market and decrease vitality costs.

Specifically, the CDU is proposing a tax reform in 4 annual steps, beginning initially of 2026. The earnings tax burden ought to lower, the highest tax charge solely applies from 80,000 euros, and the fundamental tax allowance ought to improve yearly. Overtime pay needs to be tax-free for full-time employment. For pensioners who proceed to work voluntarily, as much as 2,000 euros monthly ought to stay tax-free. The solidarity surcharge needs to be abolished fully and residents’ cash needs to be transformed right into a “new basic security”.

Secretary General Carsten Linnemann mentioned that the core of the tax plans was to alleviate the burden on the broad center, decrease and center incomes. Merz mentioned that with the “Agenda 2030” that they had consciously chosen an affiliation with the “Agenda 2010” of the then Chancellor Gerhard Schröder (SPD). What Schröder did with the reforms 20 years in the past was “essentially correct”.

According to knowledgeable estimates, the economic system most likely contracted barely once more final 12 months. For 2025, the Expert Council of “Economists” has forecast a rise of simply 0.4 %.

DGB: “Attack on employees”

The German Federation of Trade Unions warned in opposition to a backwards position. “The CDU is not solving the challenges of the time with its agenda,” mentioned DGB board member Stefan Körzell to the dpa. “The threat to introduce weekly instead of daily maximum working hours in the future is nothing other than an attack on employees.” The President of the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), Marcel Fratzscher, mentioned the agenda incorporates intelligent components. But development of two % is illusory.

Merz: Still have potential for enchancment

The CDU and CSU have been clearly forward in surveys for months – however stay pretty unchanged within the 30 % vary: in line with the present ZDF “Politbarometer” it’s at the moment precisely 30 %, the YouGov institute lately measured 29 %. “We undoubtedly still have potential for improvement, but that’s what an election campaign is for,” mentioned Merz. “The election campaign begins now, and at the end of the election campaign the totals will be added up.”

There is a little bit of rumbling within the Union after Merz held again on public appearances over the Christmas interval and over the New Year.

Günther: After the Christmas break, it is now a scorching election marketing campaign part

Schleswig-Holstein’s Prime Minister Daniel Günther (CDU) mentioned: “The less we worry about the time after the election, the more we talk about how we can get the best possible election result, the better.” He would not see an open flank in social coverage. “But I believe that the Union would be well advised to always pursue a two-pronged approach.” It can also be about producing development with a purpose to strengthen cohesion.

Habeck attracts degree with Merz on the chancellor query

According to the ZDF “Politbarometer,” Green Party lead candidate Robert Habeck drew degree with Merz on the chancellor subject. When requested who of the 4 candidates they might most prefer to see as Chancellor, 27 % (+2) voted for Habeck, and 27 % additionally voted for Merz (-2). Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) acquired 14 % (-2), AfD candidate Alice Weidel acquired 15 (-1).

Fireboat and fish sandwiches

Shortly earlier than the examination, Merz was proven a fireboat within the port of Hamburg. He drove with a barge to the headquarters of the corporate VB-Group, which was based in 2021. The firm, which has round 30 workers, makes a speciality of design and plant engineering companies in vitality technology in addition to in shipyard and ship operations expertise. In a café, Merz additionally met a gaggle of 25 elected representatives and candidates for the federal election and the Hamburg state election.