Facing a deepening crisis within the nation, the General Secretary of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Carsten Linnemann, has called on the federal government to develop a comprehensive Agenda 2030, drawing inspiration from the Agenda 2010 reforms enacted by former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder of the Social Democratic Party (SPD).
The appeal comes amid concerning data from a new poll, revealing that 73 percent of German citizens express a lack of confidence in the state’s ability to effectively address challenges. Linnemann described this as “the core problem of Germany” particularly disheartening given the recent governmental transition approximately 120 days ago. He emphasized the urgency, stating, “We have our backs to the wall and now we have to deliver.
Linnemann believes a renewed sense of optimism and trust can be fostered by ensuring greater security and restoring the functionality of state institutions, citing the national rail network and social security system as areas requiring immediate attention.
He praised SPD leader Lars Klingbeil’s recent acknowledgement of Schröder’s “courageous reforms” regarding Agenda 2010, adding that the approach should be revisited. With a window of opportunity opening after two decades, Linnemann asserted that a majority of Germans are indicating a need for fundamental change.
Regarding social welfare reforms, Linnemann placed particular responsibility on SPD Labor Minister and Co-Party Chair Bärbel Bas. He advocated for a paradigm shift within the social security system, proposing a citizen’s allowance system centered around the principle that individuals capable of working must actively seek employment. “Simply renaming it is a cosmetic fix” he said, emphasizing a policy of withholding benefits from those who repeatedly decline reasonable job offers. “People who cannot work need our full support. But every person who can work must go to work; otherwise, there will be no social benefits”. Linnemann expressed confidence that this reform would be necessary within the coming autumn.
Responding to questions about Minister Bas’s potential for implementing these changes, Linnemann stated, “We have no other choice but to do it. Just as Gerhard Schröder implemented Agenda 2010, we must now implement Agenda 2030. It’s that simple. Back then, it was an SPD Chancellor; today, it’s an SPD Minister”.
