The Social Democratic Party (SPD) has concluded its federal party convention in Berlin, where the party’s election program for the Bundestag was adopted with unanimous approval from all attending delegates.
The 63-page “Government Program” places emphasis on investment and social justice. Among other measures, the party plans to establish a “Germany Fund” that will mobilize public and private capital. Initially, the fund will be endowed with €100 billion and will operate within the existing framework of the federal budget’s debt rules. The SPD also demands a comprehensive reform of the debt rules to ensure that investments are not hindered.
Another key focus of the party is a minimum wage increase to €15, which is to be achieved by 2026 at the latest, with the party orienting itself on the recommendations of the European directive. The party also plans to reduce the reduced value-added tax rate for food from 7% to 5%.
The election program also contains criticisms of the competition. For example, it states that the conservatives aim to reverse the progress made and cut spending where it affects many citizens “personally.” Others, in turn, rely on a politics that “nudges” citizens. The “populists on the right and left” meanwhile, give “completely false answers.” Their business model is to divide society.
The party convention, which lasted just over five hours, began with the election of Olaf Scholz as the party’s chancellor candidate. The party leadership sought to demonstrate unity, with the election taking place through an open vote, in which all but five delegates voted in favor of the chancellor candidate.