What are the SPD, CDU and Greens planning?

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Friedrich Merz (CDU), Olaf Scholz (SPD and Robert Habeck (Greens) represent different views on the topics of pensions, citizens' benefits and minimum wage. © Sven Simon/Imago

When it comes to pensions, citizens' benefits and the minimum wage, the CDU, SPD and Greens are worlds apart. Citizens' benefit recipients in particular must expect changes.

Berlin – The outcome of the 2025 federal election will result in changes to pensions, citizens’ benefits and the minimum wage. The CDU, Greens and SPD also have very different views on other core issues. What do German citizens have to prepare for?

Pensions, citizens' benefits and minimum wage: What are the SPD, CDU and Greens planning?

Citizens' benefit recipients in particular would have to prepare for a “new basic security” in the event of an election victory for Friedrich Merz and the CDU/CSU. The Union makes no secret of its desire to abolish citizens' money in its current form.

Instead, the CDU/CSU will provide further incentives to work. The Union's position is unequivocal: “If someone is fundamentally unwilling to accept work, […] Basic security must be completely eliminated.”

In the social area, the concepts of the three parties differ fundamentally. The SPD and the Greens are campaigning for a minimum wage of 15 euros, with the Greens wanting to implement it by 2025 and the SPD wanting to implement it by 2026. The Union is focusing on tax-free overtime pay and wants to reward employees who voluntarily work more. “Anyone who wants to work more voluntarily should have more net of their gross,” says the CDU draft.

Pension: This is how the CDU, SPD and Greens differ

When it comes to pensions, the SPD, the Greens and the Union agree on at least one point: the parties want to stick to the previously set retirement age of 67 even after the 2025 federal election. According to Friedrich Merz, there will be no pension at 70, even with the CDU.

In addition, the Union is committed to a stable pension level and continued increases in salaries. Similarly, the SPD and the Greens also want to stabilize the pension level at 48 percent. The Greens are also bringing a “citizens’ fund” into play. State-financed investments in sustainable and European companies are intended to strengthen the pensions of small and medium incomes. A model that was removed from the generational capital of the failed traffic light pension reform.

CDU, SPD and Greens: These changes are planned for taxes and finances

When it comes to tax policy, all three parties are committed to relief – but with different priorities. The SPD announces relief for 95 percent of taxpayers, without giving exact figures. Instead, the CDU and CSU plan to gradually reduce the income tax rate. The top tax rate of 42 percent should only apply to higher incomes. The Greens are proposing a higher basic tax allowance that would exempt more people from income tax. In addition, the SPD is in favor of a reduced VAT on food, while the Union is calling for tax relief for the catering industry.

Opinions differ when it comes to the solidarity surcharge: While the Union wants to abolish it completely, the SPD advocates maintaining it for higher earners. The Greens are aiming to integrate solidarity into income tax.

There are clear differences when it comes to the debt brake. The CDU/CSU are sticking to it, while the SPD and the Greens want to create scope for investments. The Social Democrats advocate targeted exceptions, while the Greens want to make the rule more flexible.

Federal election 2025: SPD establishes “Germany Fund” – CDU wants to reduce bureaucracy

Economically, the Union is calling for less bureaucracy and more flexible rules to strengthen Germany. Under the motto “Performance must be worth it again”, the CDU and CSU are relying on incentives for the economy.

The SPD and the Greens are instead relying on state funding instruments: The Social Democrats are planning a loan-financed “Germany Fund” for infrastructure projects such as electricity and heating networks. The Greens also favor a credit-supported fund that would, among other things, support the rail network and daycare centers.

Migration: CDU plans tough asylum and deportation course

The Union takes a particularly restrictive line in migration policy. She calls for a de facto stop in accepting illegal migrants and quick asylum procedures. In addition, those seeking protection who enter from safe third countries should be turned away at the border. “Our country needs a fundamental change in migration policy,” says the CDU/CSU program.

The SPD relies on consistent deportations, but prefers voluntary return programs. Instead, the Greens advocate a fair distribution of those seeking protection within Europe, with particularly vulnerable groups such as women, children, queer people and the disabled being given greater consideration.

More news from politics:

Federal election 2025: Merz surprises with SPD forecast

“Fritze Merz”: Scholz wedges himself against the CDU leader and gets caught in the crossfire

Merz attacks Chancellor Scholz: “You are embarrassing Germany”

Ukraine politics and the Bundeswehr: Big differences between Scholz and Merz

The differences between the parties are also clear in Ukraine politics. Olaf Scholz emphasizes that no warring party is allowed in Germany. Weapons deliveries to Ukraine should be carried out “prudently and with a sense of proportion” and should continue “as long as necessary”. The SPD rejected the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles, while Friedrich Merz supported it under certain conditions.

The Union sees the Ukraine war as part of Putin's efforts to create a new world order. The CDU and CSU promise Ukraine comprehensive support and want to develop security guarantees for the country. “If Ukraine falls, there is a risk of an attack on another European country,” warns the Union (more political news at RUHR24).

There are also differences in the Bundeswehr: The Union advocates reintroducing compulsory military service, while the SPD favors flexible military service based on voluntary participation. The Greens also want to expand voluntary military service and make the reserve more attractive. dpa/edited by Sven Fekkers.

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