Germania

Bundestagswahl 2025

Bayernpartei

bueso

Bündnis Deutschland

Bündnis-C

Bündnis90/Grüne

CDU/CSU

Die Linke

Die PARTEI

dieBasis

Freie Wähler

Menschliche Welt

MERA25

MLPD

ÖDP

Team Todenhöfer

Tierschutzpartei

Verjüngungsforschung

Volt

WerteUnion

Selling weapons to other countries (arms exports) requires a balancing act between economic and security benefits on the one hand and moral, ethical and geopolitical risks on the other. Many proponents argue that the arms industry creates many jobs and that Germany can also strengthen allied countries around the world. On the other hand, opponents of arms exports argue that there is no absolute guarantee as to what will happen to the weapons once they have been sold. Furthermore, the weapons could be used in conflicts and thus cause suffering and death.

Russia attacked Ukraine on February 22, 2022, and war has been raging there ever since. Ukraine is dependent on weapons supplies from other countries in order to be able to defend itself against Russia. The question is whether Taurus cruise missiles should be delivered to Ukraine. Taurus cruise missiles have a long range. Opponents of Taurus deliveries to Ukraine fear that Ukraine could attack Russia with these cruise missiles. They fear that Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, could interpret such an event as Germany entering the war, which would trigger the NATO alliance and the NATO states would be at war together. Supporters, on the other hand, believe that Ukraine must be supported by all means in order to assert its sovereignty against Russia.

NATO is a defense alliance of which Germany has been a member since 1955. In 2002, NATO decided that the member states should invest sufficient funds in defense. A benchmark of 2% of gross domestic product (GDP) was set, although this target is not binding. The calculation based on GDP enables an international comparison of defense spending.

Critics of the 2% target point out that countries with weaker economies reach the 2% mark with significantly lower absolute expenditure than large economies such as Germany. They also emphasize that higher spending does not automatically improve defence capabilities.

Supporters of the 2% target, on the other hand, argue that Germany must fulfill its NATO obligations in order to continue to receive military protection from the USA. This is necessary to ensure the operational readiness of the Bundeswehr.

Development cooperation aims to improve living conditions in poorer countries. It aims to tackle global problems such as hunger, poverty and climate change. Supporters of an increase in German funding see the need for more money. This would help to combat the causes of displacement in the long term and ensure greater stability in crisis areas. It would also enable Germany to better assume its international responsibility and support the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Critics of this position see many projects as inefficient. They criticize the fact that the money often does not reach the people on the ground. They argue that the recipient countries should be held more accountable. They also call for better control of the money used.

Supporters of the solidarity contribution for companies without apprenticeships see this as a fair distribution of the burden. Companies that provide training have higher costs due to the supervision of apprentices. The income from the levy can make new training places and support programs possible.

Opponents see the levy as too high a burden for small companies. These often do not have the necessary resources to provide their own training. Instead, they are calling for other solutions to make training more attractive and counteract the shortage of skilled workers.

The Abitur is not conducted uniformly in Germany. The individual federal states organize and design their Abitur examinations independently. Proponents of a nationwide centralized Abitur see the advantage of better comparability of qualifications. This would lead to greater fairness, particularly when applying for university places. Opponents of a centralized Abitur emphasize Germany's federal structure. They want the federal states to retain their responsibility for educational issues.

Political parties in Germany can receive private donations. A large donation is deemed to exist if it amounts to more than 35,000 euros. The parties must disclose and publish these large donations, but they are permitted. There are two sides to the debate about a ban on large donations: Opponents warn against parties becoming too dependent on the state. They fear that without large private donations, state funding would have to increase. Supporters of a ban want to prevent large sums of money being used to influence political decisions.

Article 21 of the Basic Law regulates the possibility of banning unconstitutional parties. A party is unconstitutional if it endangers the free democratic basic order. This is the case if a party disregards human dignity, rejects the principle of democracy or violates the principles of the rule of law.

A ban is only possible if the party has a realistic chance of implementing its anti-constitutional goals. The discussion about banning the AfD is controversial. Critics of a ban argue in two ways: some see it as an encroachment on freedom of expression. The other part warns that the party could be perceived as a victim as a result of a ban.

Supporters of a ban emphasize the need to restrict right-wing extremist and racist ideologies. They see a ban as an important instrument to protect the democratic order.

Referendums at federal level allow citizens to have a direct say on important political issues. Supporters see this as a strengthening of democracy. They believe that this could reduce disenchantment with politics. Direct votes could lead to decisions that better reflect the will of the people.

Opponents warn of the risks. They consider simple yes/no questions to be unsuitable for dealing with complex issues. Populist campaigns and false reports could influence the votes. This could jeopardize the democratic process.

Citizens aged 18 and over are allowed to vote in federal elections. The debate about lowering the voting age to 16 is intense. Proponents point out that young people already have important rights at 16. They can choose their own religion and start an education. Political decisions have a direct impact on young people's lives. Early participation in elections can increase interest in politics.

Opponents of lowering the voting age see the danger that 16-year-olds are not yet able to fully grasp the consequences of their voting decisions. They doubt that young people at this age already have sufficient life experience and maturity. In their view, this could have a negative impact on democratic processes.

The discussion shows the tension between the desire for early political participation and concerns about the quality of democratic decisions. In some federal states, young people are allowed to vote in state elections from the age of 16. Experience with this is being incorporated into the debate on the voting age for federal elections.

The last German nuclear power plants, Emsland, Isar 2 and Neckarwestheim 2, were shut down in April 2023. The debate on the use of nuclear energy has intensified as a result of the energy crisis following the Russian attack on Ukraine. The discussion revolves around both the recommissioning of existing power plants and the construction of new ones.

Supporters of nuclear power emphasize the advantages of constant energy supply compared to renewable energies such as wind and solar. They point to modern reactor types that deliver more power and have better safety standards than their predecessors.

Critics of nuclear power, on the other hand, cite practical problems with the construction of new power plants. Construction would take many years. In addition, there are still concerns about safety for people and the environment. The issue of storing radioactive waste remains a key problem.

The energy supply must meet the requirements of security of supply, environmental protection and economic efficiency. The decision for or against nuclear power has far-reaching consequences for future generations.

In 2022, Germany imported around a third of its gas from Russia, around 29.5 billion cubic meters. Following the Russian attack on Ukraine, Germany now sources most of its gas from Norway, the Netherlands and Belgium.

There are two sides to the debate about Russian gas imports. Supporters emphasize that natural gas is necessary as a transitional solution on the path to climate neutrality. They see economic cooperation as an opportunity to reduce the political tensions between Germany and Russia.

Critics see the danger of excessive dependence on Russia. They prefer gas supplies from friendly countries such as Norway, the Netherlands and Belgium. Another argument is the rejection of supporting an authoritarian system through gas imports.

Energy supply companies have various owners. Private individuals and companies can hold shares, as can the state or local authorities. Advocates of state participation see this as an opportunity to better control energy prices and ensure a fair supply. They also expect more investment in renewable energies. Critics warn against too much bureaucracy as a result of nationalization. They see the danger that less competition in the energy market will harm consumers in the long term.

The EU has decided that from 2035, only cars that do not emit any CO2 while driving will be registered. This regulation affects all new cars. The decision has led to controversial discussions.

Those in favor of the ban see it as an opportunity for the German automotive industry. They argue that competition in the field of electromobility will strengthen innovation. In their view, the climate targets in the transport sector can only be achieved through a consistent switch to emission-free drives.

Opponents of the ban advocate technological openness. They would also like to allow cars with combustion engines after 2035. These could be powered by climate-neutral e-fuels. They fear negative consequences for the German automotive industry if the changeover is too rapid.

The ban only applies to new cars. Existing vehicles with combustion engines may continue to be used. The regulation allows for various technical solutions. In addition to electric cars, other types of drive are also permitted as long as they do not emit CO2 when driving.

The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine led to a gas shortage in Germany and caused gas prices to rise sharply. The Building Energy Act, popularly known as the Heating Act, has two objectives: Germany is to become less dependent on Russian gas supplies and CO2 emissions from heating must fall.

The law sets clear requirements for new buildings in new construction areas. There, heating systems must be powered by at least 65 percent renewable energy. For existing buildings, this rule only applies once the respective municipality has drawn up a heating plan. These heating plans show where district heating is possible. District heating automatically meets the legal requirements.

Supporters of the law emphasize the need to save energy in the building sector. They point out that gas prices will continue to rise in the future. Opponents of the law criticize the restriction of freedom of choice. They believe that homeowners should be able to decide on their own type of heating.

Wealth tax has no longer been levied in Germany since 1997. It is a tax on a person's total assets, i.e. everything they own minus their debts. There is currently an intense political debate as to whether it should be reintroduced. 

A wealth tax would tax high assets on a regular basis. The calculation is based on the total assets of a person or company. This includes real estate, financial assets and business assets. Debts are deducted from this amount. An allowance ensures that only people with very high assets have to pay this tax.

Opponents of wealth tax put forward two main arguments: They see double taxation, as wealth often comes from income that has already been taxed. They also criticize the high administrative burden of levying the tax.

Proponents of the wealth tax see it as an instrument to reduce the unequal distribution of wealth. They also expect it to generate additional revenue for the state.

A reduction in corporate taxes is being discussed as an opportunity for the German economy. Supporters of this idea see it as a way of improving the position of German companies in international competition. They expect companies to have more money available for investment as a result of lower taxes. This could create new jobs and promote economic growth.

Opponents of this tax cut express reservations. They point out that this would deprive the state of important revenue. The state needs this money for key tasks such as expanding schools, improving transport routes and supporting people in need. Another point of criticism is the unequal distribution of benefits. Large companies would benefit significantly more from a tax cut than small businesses.

The state must take various aspects into account when making this decision. It must weigh up between promoting the economy and safeguarding important state tasks. The impact on companies of different sizes also plays an important role in this decision.

The broadcasting fee finances the public broadcasters in Germany. Every household has to pay this contribution. Until the end of 2024, it will be 18.36 euros per month, rising to 18.94 euros from 2025. This money is used to pay for television, radio and online offerings from public broadcasters.

Opinions on the broadcasting fee differ. Critics are calling for the fee to be abolished. They consider the costs to be too high and see a waste of money. Many consider the public broadcasting system to be outdated.

Supporters of the broadcasting contribution, on the other hand, emphasize the advantages. They see it as important that everyone can obtain information free of charge. For them, public service broadcasting stands for independent reporting. The promotion of culture is also one of its important tasks.

The debt brake is an important element of the German constitution and sets clear limits on borrowing by the federal and state governments. The federal states must manage without new debt, while the federal government may only take on new debt amounting to 0.35% of nominal gross domestic product. Exceptions to this rule are possible in the event of natural disasters or serious financial crises.

Supporters of the debt brake see it as an effective instrument for securing the financial stability of the state in the long term. They emphasize that the regulation helps to avoid unnecessary and unsustainable expenditure.

Critics of the debt brake take a different view of the regulation. They consider it to be outdated in the current phase of low interest rates. They call for the rules to be adjusted in order to strengthen local authorities financially and invest more money in important future areas such as infrastructure, education and digitalization.

Abortions are generally illegal in Germany up to the 12th week. All those involved can be punished. However, there are exceptions where an abortion is exempt from punishment. This is the case for medical or criminological reasons. Even after counseling at a recognized center, the abortion remains unpunished.

Supporters of the current regulation are in favor of retaining the compromise. They warn that legalization could be abused. An important argument for them is the protection of unborn life.

Supporters of legalization emphasize a woman's right to self-determination over her own body. They point out that legalization would reduce the number of illegal and often dangerous abortions.

Free contraceptives for young people up to the age of 25 can make an important contribution to preventive healthcare. Easy access to contraceptives protects young people in particular who have little money. This prevents unwanted pregnancies and infections with sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV or chlamydia.

The free contraceptives relieve the burden on the healthcare system in the long term. The treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and medical care for unwanted pregnancies is very expensive. These costs can be significantly reduced through preventative measures.

Some critics see the danger of free contraceptives weakening the personal responsibility of young people. They fear additional burdens for the healthcare system. These concerns can be dispelled through education and counseling. The responsible use of contraceptives remains important.

The advantages of free contraceptives outweigh the disadvantages. They protect the health of young people and save the healthcare system money in the long term. Good advice strengthens the personal responsibility of young people when using contraceptives.

Capping the personal contribution to long-term care at 1,000 euros is an important issue in care policy. Many people support this proposal, as care costs often represent a major financial burden for those affected and their families. Capping the costs would give those in need of care and their relatives more planning security.

Supporters see the cap as a necessary measure to protect people from financial hardship. They argue that high care costs can cause existential difficulties for many families. The cap of 1000 euros would significantly reduce this burden.

Opponents of the cap point to the considerable costs for the social systems. They see the danger that without new sources of funding, other social benefits would have to be cut. Financing the cap could place a heavy burden on social insurance schemes and the state budget.

The discussion shows that care financing must find a balance between social security and financial sustainability. A solution must take into account both the needs of those in need of care and the stability of the social systems.

Parent-independent BAföG funding should give all students the same opportunities in the education system. Supporters say that financial support for all students, regardless of their parents' income, would improve educational equality. Students would be able to organize their studies more independently. Critics warn of significantly higher costs. They believe that the funding would then no longer reach the students who really need the money. In their opinion, it makes more sense to use taxpayers' money only for students in need.

The issue of more video surveillance in public spaces is a controversial one. Proponents emphasize that people feel safer as a result. Crimes can also be better investigated. Critics, on the other hand, warn that the recorded data could be misused. They also see the danger that modern facial recognition systems allow individual people to be identified and systematically monitored without their knowledge.

New rules for cannabis have been in force in Germany since July 2024 Private individuals and clubs are allowed to grow cannabis. Associations can distribute cannabis to adults for their own use under controlled conditions. Adults may possess up to 25 grams of dried cannabis without being punished. Cannabis remains prohibited for young people - they are not allowed to buy or consume it.

There are differing opinions on this regulation. Critics warn of the health risks of cannabis. They also fear that the approval sends the wrong message to young people. Supporters of the new regulation, on the other hand, see advantages: The courts will be relieved and can concentrate on more important cases. Another advantage is the better control of cannabis quality through legal production and distribution.

Conducting asylum procedures outside the EU is a much-discussed concept for managing migration. Supporters of this approach see it as a way of speeding up asylum procedures and reducing the number of risky crossings to Europe. Another argument is that it could ease the burden on EU states while maintaining humanitarian standards.

Opponents of the concept express concerns that asylum procedures in third countries would not meet European legal standards and that the rights of refugees would not be sufficiently protected. They see the danger that such a policy would seal off the EU from people seeking protection and weaken the EU's responsibility for refugees.

The debate highlights the challenge of creating a fair and efficient asylum system that takes into account both the interests of the EU member states and the rights of refugees.

Supporters argue that dual nationality can lead to conflicts of loyalty and hinder integration. They see citizenship as an important sign of belonging that should not be granted arbitrarily. Opponents emphasize that dual nationality reflects the reality of many people's lives. They emphasize that two nationalities can even support integration. This happens through the possibility of establishing and maintaining close ties to both Germany and the country of origin.

There is currently no upper limit for asylum seekers in Germany. The right to asylum applies to each person individually. An upper limit would determine how many people are allowed to come to Germany each year. Proponents of this measure say that the country has limited resources for accommodation, education and support. A cap would make it easier to plan reception and integration. Opponents point out that the Basic Law guarantees an individual right to asylum. They warn that people in need who are fleeing war or persecution could no longer find protection as a result of an upper limit.

Linking the retirement age to life expectancy is a much-discussed concept for securing pensions. Proponents see it as a way of financing pensions in the long term and keeping contributions stable for young people. Opponents point out that people in physically demanding professions often have a lower life expectancy. They would hardly be able to reach a higher retirement age.

The debate revolves around two central aspects: The financial sustainability of the pension system and social justice. A uniformly increasing retirement age would put people in physically demanding professions at a disadvantage. They are often unable to work until the regular retirement age and have to retire with deductions.

Instead, the critics propose other ways of financing. They want to strengthen the pension fund through new sources of income instead of raising the retirement age for everyone. The different burdens in the various professions and the associated effects on health and life expectancy must be taken into account when designing the pension system. A blanket increase in the retirement age does not appear to be the ideal solution.

An increase in the Citizen's Income means more money for people who are dependent on state support. Advocates say that the current payments are too low. People cannot lead a dignified life with them. This is especially true because rents, energy costs and food prices are rising.

Opponents see the danger that people with a higher citizen's income are less motivated to look for work. They also criticize the high costs for the state. Instead, they call for more money for education and job creation. This would help people to become independent of state assistance.

The CO2 price is intended to encourage people to act in a climate-friendly way. The debate surrounding this instrument is controversial. Critics of the CO2 price argue that it places too heavy a financial burden on consumers. They complain that there are too few climate-friendly alternatives. People on low incomes in particular suffer from the higher costs.

Supporters of the CO2 price counter this. They see it as an important tool in the fight against climate change. The price encourages companies to develop new environmentally friendly technologies. Advocates propose cushioning the social hardships through targeted support. They reject a complete abolition of the CO2 price.

The discussion therefore revolves around the balance between climate protection and social justice. Instead of abolishing the CO2 price, one solution could be to use the revenue for social compensation payments.

Germany is one of the few countries in which there is no general speed limit on highways. The recommended speed is 130 kilometers per hour, but this recommendation is not mandatory. People who are in favor of a speed limit point to the possible reduction in CO2 emissions at lower speeds. They also emphasize that traffic flows more smoothly and quietly with a speed limit. Another advantage would be the reduction in noise pollution for local residents. Critics of a speed limit see this as an encroachment on personal freedom. They also warn of negative effects on the German automotive industry, as it generates profits by producing powerful and fast vehicles.

A toll in the form of a vignette requires drivers to pay a flat fee for the use of highways. Supporters of this model see it as a fair way of distributing the costs of expanding and maintaining the road network among all users. An important advantage is that foreign drivers who use German freeways also have to contribute to the financing.

Critics argue that a vignette would lead to social injustice. The reason: the costs are incurred regardless of how often someone actually uses the highway. Another disadvantage is the possible shift in traffic. Drivers could switch to country roads to avoid the toll. This would lead to more traffic and a higher risk of accidents.

In 2011, both compulsory military service and alternative civilian service were suspended in Germany. In the wake of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the reintroduction of compulsory military service is increasingly being debated. Supporters of compulsory military service argue that compulsory military service could reduce the Bundeswehr's personnel shortage. In addition, the suspension of compulsory military service has greatly reduced the willingness to commit to the community, volunteering and social interaction. Opponents of the reintroduction of compulsory military service argue that, among other things, compulsory military service would lead to the militarization of society. Another problem is the associated costs, as well as the free decision of young people to shape their future according to their own will.

Gender-equitable language aims to take all genders into account when using language. This is done, for example, by using gender-neutral terms such as "Studierende" instead of "Studenten" or by using special characters such as in "Professor*innen".

There are two sides to the debate about a ban in the administration. Those in favor of a ban see gender-neutral language as an unnecessary complication of German. They argue that linguistic changes alone do not bring about true equality. Instead, concrete measures must be taken to promote equality in practice.

Opponents of a ban see gender-inclusive language as an important tool. They see it as an opportunity to raise awareness of equality. Their aim is for language to include all people equally, regardless of their gender.

The minimum wage is the statutory minimum amount that employees must earn per hour. It has been 12.82 euros per hour since January 1, 2025. People who are calling for an increase to 15 euros see this as an opportunity to improve the incomes of many employees and reduce poverty. However, opponents of such an increase see risks. They warn of financial burdens for small and medium-sized companies. This could lead to job losses and higher prices. Another argument is the concern that companies would hire fewer people with low qualifications.

The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has caused electricity prices in Germany to rise sharply. This is hitting energy-intensive companies particularly hard. The debate about an industrial electricity price is dividing opinion.

Those in favour of a subsidized electricity price argue that German companies are internationally competitive. They see the danger that companies without cheaper electricity will have to offer their products at higher prices. This could lead to customers buying their goods from foreign suppliers with lower energy costs.

Opponents of electricity price subsidies warn of false economic signals. They argue that an artificially low electricity price would not give companies sufficient incentive to invest in energy-saving technologies. There would be a lack of pressure to increase energy efficiency. This could weaken the modernization and competitiveness of German industry in the long term.

A rent cap stipulates that landlords may not increase rents for a certain period of time. The supporters of this regulation want to ensure that apartments remain affordable. They want to give the housing market time to recover. Critics, on the other hand, raise constitutional objections. They argue that a rent cap only solves the consequences, but not the actual problems. The shortage of housing will remain. Such a law could even lead to less investment in the construction of new apartments. However, it is precisely this investment that would be necessary to ensure lower rents in the long term.

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