Young People in the Union Demand: The CDU Must Become a Reform Party
Young members of the CDU are urging their party to embrace reforms in response to the impending financial strain caused by demographic changes in society.
Young members of the CDU are calling for the party to take bold steps towards reform to address the challenges posed by an aging society. They highlight the fact that the demographic shift, which has been known for decades, will start to significantly impact social security systems and state finances in the 2030s. Without necessary reforms, the CDU risks facing a stagnation of federal finances where tax revenues will be primarily consumed by social benefits, debt service, and defense, leaving little room for future investments in areas like digitalization, education, and infrastructure.
The urgency of this call to action comes as young party members warn that failure to implement reforms could severely threaten Germany's political and financial stability. For two decades, successive federal governments have procrastinated in addressing these issues, leading to a precarious situation where future generations might bear the brunt of inaction. The potential dominance of social spending could hinder growth and development across essential sectors, resulting in long-term repercussions for the countryโs economic health.
The discussion emphasizes that the CDU must either pursue necessary reforms or consider lifting the debt brake, a constitutional limit on government borrowing. This could provide the necessary flexibility for the government to address emerging challenges but would also require careful consideration of fiscal sustainability. Young Union members believe that taking decisive action now is critical to ensuring a stable and prosperous future for all citizens.