Germany faces a critical juncture in the coming year, with the nation’s economic trajectory becoming a defining matter of its future prosperity, according to Jens Spahn, parliamentary group leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Speaking to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Spahn declared that 2026 must be a year of growth, not further indebtedness, emphasizing that “growth is the existential question for this country.
Spahn’s warning highlights growing concerns over Germany’s lagging economic performance relative to other global powers. He pointed to three years of shrinking GDP and a palpable sense of economic decline amongst the populace, fueling anxieties and eroding confidence. The CDU leader directly urged the current black-red coalition government to prioritize productivity and address rising labor costs in the new year. Specifically, he advocated for either reducing or stabilizing social security contributions to prevent increased costs for employers.
Pressed on whether this focus on growth signified a plea for the coalition partners to eschew divisive partisan politics and costly campaign promises, Spahn signaled a new era of fiscal scrutiny. He proposed a rigorous evaluation of every proposed legislative measure, demanding that it be assessed by its impact on economic growth. Policy decisions, he asserted, should be measured against this singular objective.
Spahn’s comments come against the backdrop of declining government approval ratings and the alarming rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). Recognizing the limitations of symbolic gestures, Spahn dismissed the possibility of regaining public trust through mere press conferences. He insisted that tangible improvements in people’s daily lives – impacting their wallets, housing accessibility and workplaces – are essential to reversing the decline in public sentiment. The years of the “traffic light” coalition government, he acknowledged, have exacerbated existing frustrations, necessitating a patient and sustained approach to restoring faith in governance.
Despite the current political climate, Spahn expressed a cautiously optimistic view regarding the state of German democracy. He argued that the nation is less polarized than frequently portrayed, with polling data revealing a significant and stable political center. “This political center wants to be governed well and calmly” he stated, framing his party’s responsibility as demonstrating the capacity and desire to provide precisely that. The challenge, he implied, is to reconnect with this broad electorate and deliver on their expectations for responsible and pragmatic governance.