The Christian Social Union (CSU), Bavaria’s dominant political force, is preparing to push for a significant shift in Germany’s energy and social policy, outlining proposals that critique the current, coalition-led approach and advocate for a more fiscally conservative direction. A draft motion, leaked to Politico, reveals the CSU’s intention to curtail subsidies for heat pumps while simultaneously seeking to curb the rapid increase in social welfare spending.
The draft explicitly calls for the abolition of the so-called “Heat Law” – a policy introduced by the current three-party coalition government – citing its restrictive and prescriptive nature. The CSU argues that true technological neutrality demands a more flexible approach, distancing itself from the coalition’s current strategy for promoting climate-friendly heating solutions. Critically, the motion accuses the government of “over-subsidizing” heat pumps, implying a misallocation of resources and a potential distortion of market forces.
Beyond energy policy, the CSU’s proposals target escalating social expenditures, which the party argues are placing an unsustainable burden on municipalities. The draft motion highlights the sheer volume of social welfare programs – upwards of 500 – and the complex legal framework that governs them, arguing that streamlining is essential. The CSU leadership contends that the long-term viability of Germany’s social safety net hinges on fundamental reforms, signaling a willingness to challenge established norms. The party acknowledges the strain on local government finances, exacerbated by a weaker economic climate and resulting lower municipal revenues.
Adding a further layer of political tension, the CSU is fiercely criticizing the current system of financial equalization between the German states (Länder). The party believes the existing system penalizes states that perform well economically, diminishing incentives for other states to strive for better results. The draft motion states that the CSU will continue to pursue legal action against the current system via the Federal Constitutional Court, signaling a commitment to terminating the equalization payments by 2030. This stance, likely to provoke opposition from wealthier states who currently benefit from the payments, lays bare a deeper ideological disagreement within the German political landscape and could significantly alter the relationship between Berlin and the Länder.
The proposals highlight a growing dissent within the governing coalition and underscore the CSU’s ambition to redefine Germany’s economic and social policy priorities.