CDU on work and social affairs

The CDU wants to abolish the Bürgergeld (citizen's income) and replace it with a new basic support system built on the principle of "support and demand." In the party's view, the Bürgergeld creates the wrong incentives, and people who work should clearly end up with more than those who don't.

The CDU wants to end the Bürgergeld. A new basic support system should replace it. The state should help, but also ask for something. People who can work but refuse jobs should get no money. Asylum seekers should do community work.

The program treats the merit principle as its guide and argues that the Bürgergeld abandoned the idea of support and demand. In the CDU's view, anyone able to work who turns down a reasonable job should not count as in need. Asylum seekers should also take on community service work. According to the program, working should once again pay off much more than not working.

The CDU supports the highest possible coverage by collective wage agreements. It wants to make it easier to declare such agreements binding for entire sectors, since in the program's view they create prosperity and ensure fair competition.

Collective agreements set wages and working conditions. The CDU wants many companies to use them. These agreements should more easily apply to a whole industry. The CDU says this also helps find skilled workers.

The program sees collective agreements as a tool for prosperity, fair competition and recruiting skilled workers. A declaration of general applicability means an agreement also binds companies that did not sign it. The CDU wants to make such declarations easier.

The CDU wants to stop young people from leaving Brandenburg. Training opportunities, affordable housing and leisure options are meant to make the state more attractive to teenagers and young families.

Many young people move away from Brandenburg. The CDU wants to change that. There should be good training jobs. Young people should find cheap places to live.

The CDU wants a wide range of vocational training options and affordable housing for young people. Together with counties and cities, it would support youth work focused on culture and sports, as well as youth and school social work. Private initiatives, clubs and businesses would get support in creating new leisure options, including nightclubs in rural areas. Youth and apprentice representatives would be invited to an annual meeting.

The CDU wants older people to live independently for as long as possible. It would support age-appropriate home renovations, services in rural areas and social participation, and tackle loneliness.

The CDU wants older people to stay independent for a long time. They should be able to stay in their homes. Homes should be adapted for them. Older people should not be lonely.

Policy for seniors would be treated as a cross-cutting part of public services, and senior citizens' plans would be updated. Digital assistance systems and multigenerational housing would support aging at home and help prevent loneliness. Everyday services in rural areas would be maintained, for example in mobile form. Seniors would be encouraged to get involved in politics and supported through educational programs and counseling centers. Non-digital access to public services would be preserved.