Germany

State Election Saarland 2022

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Die Humanisten

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Die PARTEI

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FAMILIE

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Piratenpartei

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Verjüngungsforschung

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Digital skills are becoming increasingly important in our society. This should also be increasingly evident at school. Many parents, teachers and representatives from the industry are therefore calling for the importance of computer science lessons to be funded and for computer science to be introduced as a mandatory subject from the 5th grade onwards. Currently, computer science is already taught as a mandatory subject from grade 7. Critics argue that this is early enough, and that an introduction from grade 5 is unnecessary.

At the end of the 4-year primary school period, pupils receive a recommendation from the teachers as to which type of secondary school is suitable for them. In Saarland, however, this recommendation is not binding, so parents can decide for themselves which school their child will go to. 
Some parties would like to make the recommendation mandatory so that children are classified according to their real abilities and not according to the will of their parents. In addition, this is intended to reduce the rising proportion of children attending Gymnasium schools.
Others want to leave the decision to the parents and thus avoid that the primary school decision is influenced by prejudices. They see the primary school recommendation as not a good basis for decision-making and thus also want to reduce the pressure on primary school pupils.

In federal states such as Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg or Schleswig-Holstein, people are allowed to vote in state elections from the age of 16. In the remaining 12 federal states, the minimum age is 18, as is the case for federal elections. 
There are ongoing discussions about lowering the voting age to 16 in Saarland as well. Some believe that 16-year-olds are already sufficiently informed about politics and should be allowed to have a voice in society. Others, however, think that the age of majority and the right to vote should go hand in hand because adults can form more reflective judgements about political issues.

In the process of equal rights for men and women, there are also repeated efforts to increase the proportion of women in German parliaments. Currently, about 33% of the members of the Saarland parliament are women. Many parties are asking themselves how this can be changed. Let's look at how MPs get into the state parliament. There are two ways - via direct mandates of the constituencies and via the parties' lists. Whoever is at the top of the list has the greatest chance of winning a seat in the Landtag. If parties had to alternate between men and women on the list, at least through the lists there would be an equal number of men and women in the Landtag. Opponents of this idea want to leave the parties free to select the most suitable candidates, regardless of gender. They also see constitutional concerns about the principle of equality and criticise the state's interference in the parties' nomination of candidates. Parties which, for example, are predominantly made up of women because of their political orientation, or which want to field a majority of women, are also affected by this. Persons who do not define themselves as women or men are also excluded.

In many German communes, streets and squares are named after people who are viewed critically today, for example because of their role in National Socialism. That is why some cities have started projects in which citizens can suggest new names or vote on names. This kind of participation is criticised by some parties. Their argument is that non-specialists are less able to comprehend the life achievements of the persons honoured than experts and that the decision should therefore be left to the scientists.

"In addition to citizens with a German passport, citizens of other EU member states who have a permanent residence in Saarland are also allowed to vote in local elections in Saarland. Now it is being discussed whether this should also apply at the state level as well as to citizens of other nations that are not members of the EU.
Many people are campaigning for people living permanently in Germany, regardless of their country of origin, to be allowed to vote in elections. Their argument: people without German citizenship also get involved in associations and pay taxes. They are thus a part of society and should therefore also be allowed to help shape the rules. 
Critics of this proposal argue that the right to vote must be linked to citizenship. Those who live in Germany for a long time should therefore apply for citizenship and thus receive the right to vote."

Saarland currently operates around 210 wind turbines. This may sound like a lot at first, but it is a rather small number in view of the state government's climate policy goals, especially because many older plants do not necessarily have the efficiency of a modern plant. Last year in particular, the planned expansion of wind power in Saarland came to a standstill: only 2 more turbines were connected to the electricity grid. In order to achieve the goals of the current state government, at least 15 more modern turbines would have to be put into operation this year. Proponents see wind power as an important component in the effort to use more renewable energies. Critics, on the other hand, point to the small area and simultaneously high population density of Saarland, which makes the construction of wind turbines difficult.

There is currently no obligation to install solar systems in new buildings. However, there are incentives for property owners in the way of investment subsidies and compensation if excess electricity can be fed into the general grid during use. For many, the main argument against a solar installation obligation is the implementation of such a regulation. This is because the Renewable Energy Sources Act favours photovoltaic systems over solar thermal systems. With photovoltaics, electricity is generated with the help of solar energy. With solar thermal systems, on the other hand, water is heated with the help of solar energy. 
On the other hand, for many, the accelerated expansion of renewable energies speaks in favour of making solar systems compulsory in new buildings.

Steel production in Saarland draws a large part of its energy from non-renewable sources. Since solar and wind energy alone are not enough to cover the demand, energy production with hydrogen comes into question. That is why several Saarland companies have received funds from the federal government to introduce hydrogen as a new energy source for industry in the region. 
But energy is also needed to produce energy with hydrogen. If this comes from renewable energies such as wind and solar power, it is called green hydrogen.

Currently, there are five active hard coal-fired power plants in the Saaarland, which accounted for about 23 % of the electricity generated in the Saarland in 2020. In the coal phase-out law, the federal government has already decided to stop mining the fossil and thus environmentally harmful energy source coal in Germany by 2038. The coal-fired power plants in Saarland could therefore be shut down voluntarily by 2027 in return for compensation payments or, if this does not happen, by 2038 at the latest through legal regulation. The debate now centres on whether the shutdown of the power plants should be mandatory earlier, specifically by 2030. Proponents point to climate protection and argue that the coal phase-out is already possible and necessary by 2030. A gradual phase-out would only artificially delay an already overdue development towards renewable energy. Critics point out the importance of the coal sector for the Saarland economy. The companies affected would also need sufficient time to implement the decisions.

Geothermal energy is the heat stored in the accessible part of the earth's crust, i.e. thermal energy. Geothermal energy can be used to generate electricity, but also for heating or cooling. So far, geothermal energy has been used in Germany primarily for heating. Now it is being discussed whether its use in Saarland should also be extended to electricity generation, as is already partly the case in Bavaria and the Palatinate. Proponents hope that this will provide another opportunity to generate energy from renewable and thus more environmentally friendly sources. Critics, on the other hand, point to the immense costs and the possibility of triggering minor earthquakes.

The constitutionally anchored debt brake prohibits "structural", i.e. independent of the economic situation, new government debt for the individual federal states. However, exceptions are provided for special events such as natural disasters or economic crises, and the COVID-19 pandemic was also considered such an exception. This made it possible for the federal and state governments to finance the additional costs incurred, such as aid payments to certain industries, by taking on debt. Because of the currently very favourable interest rates and in order to finance investments in climate protection and education, there are calls for a further suspension of the debt brake. Critics, however, argue that only the debt brake enables a long-term perspective for public finances and is therefore indispensable.

The communes in Saarland are very highly indebted compared to the rest of Germany. In 2020, the state has already invested money once to reduce the debt of the communes. Nevertheless, municipal debt remains at a comparatively high level. Therefore, it has been discussed for some time whether the state should pay even more money to the communes to further reduce their debts. Proponents hope that this will increase the flexibility of the communes, especially in the case of unexpected expenditures, e.g. by Corona. Critics, on the other hand, warn that the state cannot relieve the communes of responsibility for their financing and should therefore not intervene.

Currently, the dog breeds American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier and their crossbreeds are classified as dangerous dogs in Saarland. Other dogs can also be classified as dangerous regardless of their breed due to their behaviour. This means that these dogs may only be kept with permission. However, there is the possibility of having dogs undergo a temperament test, which proves that their behaviour is socially acceptable. At present, dog owners have to pay for this themselves. Critics of this breed list are of the opinion that every dog, regardless of its breed, can be dangerous. The breed list only leads to higher costs for owners. Proponents, on the other hand, believe that the protection of human life and health comes first. Especially when there is enough evidence that dogs of certain breeds can be dangerous. According to scientists, the breeds on the list have such potential - they are considered fighting dogs.

Church tax in Saarland is nine per cent of income tax. The Roman Catholic and Protestant churches can levy it, but other religious communities can also join. The money then automatically flows to the churches. Proponents of this tax emphasise the solidarity-based character of the churches and point to the many tasks of the churches in society. Opponents argue that state and church should be more clearly separated in Germany and that the church tax should therefore not be levied by the tax offices of the Länder, but completely independently of the state.

In the COVID-19 pandemic, many restrictive measures were taken to limit the virus. Many businesses and self-employed people, but also cultural workers and the catering industry, had to impose severe restrictions again and again. In order to prevent those affected from going broke and many people from losing their jobs, the state is providing financial support to those affected. The pandemic measures themselves - i.e. the provision of test centres, masks and vaccines - have also put a heavy strain on the state budget.
Most parties agree that the state must therefore have more money at its disposal to bear the costs of the pandemic. However, there are several options to achieve this. 
One option is to increase taxes and duties. On the one hand, this would allow the state to provide longer support for those affected by the pandemic. On the other hand, it would enable the state to make public investments more quickly and thus stimulate the German economy. 
Others argue that without additional taxes, people will have more money to invest and spend themselves and to increase personal consumption. This, too, could boost the German economy, which would then in turn indirectly lead to higher tax revenues.

Since vaccine against Covid-19 has been available in Germany, there has been a lively debate about general compulsory vaccination against the virus. Several different bills are now before the Bundestag. One draft proposes compulsory vaccination from the age of 50, others call for a general vaccination requirement. The debate divides those who invoke the right to bodily integrity and therefore strictly reject compulsory vaccination from those who consider vaccination necessary to restore a life in the long term as it was before the pandemic began. The main argument of the proponents is solidarity towards those for whom the virus is most dangerous.

Currently, several smaller hospitals in Saarland are discussing whether they should be closed: Some parties are of the opinion that it makes more sense to operate larger hospitals that can then also specialise in certain diseases. In this way, good specialised departments could be created and costs saved. 
One argument against further hospital closures is that shorter travel times make it possible to help patients more quickly.

The issue of increased video surveillance in public spaces is a controversial topic. On the one hand, advocates emphasise an increased sense of security among the population as well as better chances of prosecution in the event of a crime. On the other hand, critics point out that misuse of the collected data cannot be completely ruled out and that technical advances in the field of facial recognition could enable automatic identification and systematic surveillance of individuals without their knowledge.

In order to save costs, it is being discussed whether Saarländischer Rundfunk should be merged in whole or in part with other broadcasters, such as SWR. Some counter that Saarländischer Rundfunk has an identity-forming role for the state and want to keep it as an independent broadcaster.

In Germany, fireworks for outdoor use may only be set off on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. During this period, however, any person of legal age may purchase and fire fireworks. 
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, a possible ban on private fireworks was discussed throughout Germany, primarily in order to avoid injuries in hospitals. 
In other countries, such as France, there is already a general ban on fireworks for private individuals. In Paris, private fireworks are banned because the damage to people, historic buildings and cars was too great. Instead, there is a central fireworks display organised by the respective city. 
Many would now like to see something similar in Germany. Besides the medical reasons, the increased fine dust emissions are an unnecessary environmental burden for them. 
Fans of private fireworks point to the right to self-determination, which would be restricted by a ban. The traditional component of New Year's Eve fireworks also speaks against such a regulation.

State Election Saarland 2022

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