Demands from Associations for CDU, CSU, and SPD Coalition Talks

As the initial discussions for forming a new government commence, various associations and labor unions are emphasizing the importance of addressing climate and social issues in the coalition talks between the Union and the SPD. Key areas of focus for these groups include climate protection, minimum wage adjustments, and the reform of fiscal policies.

The President of the German Nature Conservation Union (NABU), Jörg-Andreas Krüger, has raised concerns about the potential neglect of environmental and biodiversity issues in favor of economic growth and job creation. He highlighted the necessity for a balanced approach that considers both immediate economic needs and long-term environmental sustainability. Krüger noted that the ongoing challenges associated with natural resources and extreme weather events demand robust solutions from the new government.

Climate advocacy group Fridays for Future has called for a proactive climate government, stressing that failing to prioritize climate initiatives poses significant risks to public health and safety. They urge the coalition to commit to measures such as banning internal combustion engines, advancing building energy regulations, and increasing funding for renewable energy initiatives.

The Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband has also voiced its apprehensions regarding potential rollbacks of the recently increased citizen income. The organization emphasizes the need for continued enhancements to social welfare programs and warns against reversing the progress made in this area. There is also a pressing need for reforms in pension policies to address the growing issue of elderly poverty.

Former Paritätischer leader Ulrich Schneider has suggested increasing taxes on high incomes and wealth to tackle social disparities and prevent further division within society. He specifically mentioned the need for adjustments to inheritance taxes, capital gains taxes, and financial transaction taxes, cautioning that failure to address these issues could jeopardize the coalition's stability.

Both Rock and Schneider have advocated for an increase in the minimum wage, stating that it must rise to at least EUR15 per hour to be effective in combating poverty and supporting future pension sustainability. The current minimum wage must exceed EUR14, with a clear trajectory towards EUR15 by 2026.

Verdi, the services union, echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the EU minimum wage directive requires national implementation by the end of 2024, necessitating a minimum wage that aligns with 60% of the median income for full-time workers.

Another critical factor in the coalition talks is the reform of the debt brake, which is seen as essential for addressing the significant investment backlog faced by municipalities. Verdi's leadership indicated that resolving the estimated EUR180 billion investment gap in local governments is crucial for maintaining essential services.

The German Association of Cities has underscored the urgent need for improved funding for municipalities, stating that deteriorating infrastructure and insufficient public transportation services cannot be overlooked. With local governments handling a substantial portion of state responsibilities but receiving a disproportionately small share of tax revenues, they are currently facing unprecedented deficits.