Werteunion's Agenda for the 2025 Bundestag Elections

The upcoming Bundestag elections on February 23, 2025, have sparked increased interest in smaller political parties, particularly the Werteunion. This conservative and economically liberal party, founded on February 17, 2024, has emerged from a previously established association of CDU and CSU members. The Werteunion positions itself on the center-right of the German political spectrum.

Since the launch of the Wahl-O-Mat, a tool designed to help voters compare party positions, the values and intentions of the Werteunion have come into sharper focus. The party is currently led by Hans-Georg Maaßen, who previously served as the president of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution until 2018.

The core principles of the Werteunion revolve around a return to traditional conservative policies reminiscent of the CDU's pre-Angela Merkel era. These include advocating for a stricter immigration policy, limiting asylum rights to genuine political refugees, and reducing bureaucratic processes. The party is also calling for a reduction in the size of the state and tax cuts.

In terms of energy policy, the Werteunion is critical of the current climate strategy, advocating instead for a revival of nuclear power as a sustainable energy source. This stance has led to some controversy, particularly regarding the party's leadership and its association with figures linked to right-wing extremism.

Maaßen, who has faced scrutiny for his past comments and affiliations, has been involved in various contentious events, including a meeting with right-wing extremists in November 2023. His leadership has drawn attention from the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, which continues to monitor the party's activities.

As the Bundestag elections approach, the Werteunion will only appear on ballots in North Rhine-Westphalia. Voters interested in exploring the party's platform can utilize the Wahl-O-Mat for a comprehensive overview of its positions compared to other parties.

In total, 29 parties and voter associations will compete in the upcoming election, reflecting a diverse political landscape. The Werteunion's emergence highlights the shifting dynamics within German politics as voters seek alternatives to the traditional major parties.