Mario Voigt: „An eigenen Ansprüchen gescheitert“: CDU-Ministerpräsident fordert programmatischen Neuanfang

Thuringian Minister-President Mario Voigt has been meeting with CDU General Secretary and Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz more frequently than usual in recent days, following the party's heavy election losses in Eastern Germany. During a recent meeting, they discussed the European budget and CDU policies at a dinner. The question arose: How should Minister-President Voigt and Chancellor Merz proceed with the Merz government and the CDU?

Minister-President Voigt called for a "programmatic restart" in an interview with the Handelsblatt. He expressed a desire for greater faith in the Social Market Economy over excessive dirigisme. Read the full interview below.

Voigt urged the CDU to clearly demonstrate its status as the center party, admitting that a continuation of the current policies will not work. He emphasized that reforms are necessary to create the conditions for economic growth. Yet, he also urged caution in implementing painful cuts and reforms. Voigt stressed the importance of growth, innovation, and sound public finances, as well as fairness, affordability, and a language that acknowledges the realities of people's lives.

The central question, he said, is whether to treat people with the cold language of a reformer or create an understanding of why changes are necessary and what benefits they bring.

Voigt argued that the CDU's strength has always been its combination of economic reason and societal confidence. He believed this connection could be achieved by maintaining a pension plan for those who have contributed for 45 years, regardless of when they began working. He dismissed the idea that only those who start working at 16 deserve an extended retirement.

Voigt also supported the idea of an "active pension" to encourage people to continue working. Chancellor Merz, however, claimed that the pension reform played a minimal role in recent election campaigns. Voigt, however, claimed a different experience when visiting Saxony-Anhalt. There, pension reform was a significant topic, with many people feeling that their contributions were being devalued.

He questioned the tone of "punishment" for those who have worked for 45 years, instead suggesting a more understanding approach.

Voigt reiterated his belief that people deserve more as workers than non-workers and that those who have worked their entire lives should be able to live comfortably in their old age. He called for a revision of government policies based on these principles. While compromises are difficult to achieve, he was not elected to collect bonus points in Berlin.

Voigt represented the interests of people in his state and made these points with full confidence. Regarding other potential areas for reform, such as cuts to parental benefits or early disability retirement, he believed they needed further discussion. He specifically urged Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) not to pursue a proposed sugar tax and to lower energy costs.

He proposed ending CO2 pricing for oil and gas, claiming that rising energy costs are already a significant burden for many people. He argued that the focus should be on believing in the Social Market Economy rather than imposing societal changes solely through government mandates. Voigt emphasized the need to develop technologies that can meet climate goals while still providing energy for citizens.

He questioned the coalition's plan to cap gasoline and diesel prices, suggesting that it signaled disrespect for citizens and businesses. He advised the Chancellor to focus on the "price competitiveness" rather than energy prices, as labor costs are already higher in Germany. Voigt concluded by calling for cooperation between the government and employers and employees to resolve these issues.