Germany faces a pivotal year demanding renewed economic growth, according to Jens Spahn, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) parliamentary group. In remarks to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Spahn characterized growth as a “matter of destiny” for the nation, stressing that 2026 must be a year of expansion, not further indebtedness.
Spahn’s assessment reflects a growing anxiety within German political circles. He argued that the current economic contraction, spanning three years, is eroding public confidence and allowing Germany to fall behind on the global stage. He directly criticized the current “traffic light” coalition government – comprised of the Social Democrats, Greens and Free Democrats – urging them to prioritize productivity and labor costs in the coming year. Specifically, he called for a reduction or stabilization of social security contributions to prevent escalating labor costs.
Responding to queries, Spahn implied a direct challenge to the coalition’s fiscal policies, suggesting that all legislative proposals be rigorously assessed based on their impact on growth. The subtext was a caution against pursuing expensive, politically driven promises ahead of electoral considerations.
The CDU’s apprehension is underscored by the government’s consistently poor performance in public opinion polls, coupled with the alarming rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). Spahn dismissed superficial attempts, such as press conferences, to restore public trust. He insisted that tangible improvements in citizens’ daily lives – improved living standards, accessible housing and secure employment – are the only viable path to regaining popular support. He acknowledged a substantial loss of trust during the “traffic light” government’s tenure and conceded the need for a fundamentally longer-term strategy than initially anticipated.
Despite anxieties surrounding political polarization, Spahn pointed to polling data suggesting a surprisingly robust and stable political center within German society. He characterized this center as desiring pragmatic and measured governance, asserting that it is the responsibility of established parties, including his own, to demonstrate their capability to deliver on this expectation. This call represents a cautious appeal to reclaim the center ground and counter the surge of populist and extremist ideologies gaining traction within the nation.
