Parteitag: Grüne wollen mit neuem Wirtschaftskurs gegen Rechtsruck vorgehen

The Greens aim to regain trust in politics and counter the rise of the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) through a new economic direction and extensive governmental reforms. Party chairpersons Franziska Brantner and Felix Banaszak presented two guiding principles for the federal party conference in December in Berlin. This response is explicitly aimed at addressing growing concerns about decline and future prospects, as well as deep-seated mistrust in politics.

The party leadership also admits to mistakes made during their time in government and intends to change their political style. They state, "We have overlooked this problem for too long, which cannot be solved through general suspicion and permanent monitoring, but only through partnership." The proposals for ecological renewal of the economy emphasize that it is a mistake not to engage intensively with those who have distanced themselves from "established politics."

At the center of the proposals is the goal of better linking climate protection and economic success, and to achieve this, the Greens propose a paradigm shift in bureaucracy reduction. Reporting and documentation obligations are proposed to be abolished, unless they are re-established. Instead of mandatory pre-approval, the party favors risk-based controls and harsh penalties for violations.

State benefits like child benefits are to be paid out automatically and without application. The Greens call for a tougher commercial policy against China, proposing that public support for electric cars be limited to models produced in Europe. Foreign investments in critical infrastructure should be presumed unlawful until approved.

Against major US technology companies, the Greens demand a digital tax, which could be introduced nationally as a transitional measure. In fiscal policy, the proposal includes relief for labor and a stronger burden on capital, with a basic exemption of 500 euros in income tax and a worker's cash allowance of 1500 euros. Conversely, assets over 500 million euros are to be used more to finance security and defense.

Tax concessions for profits from cryptocurrency and private property sales are proposed to be abolished. The Greens also propose extensive reforms in pensions. A jointly financed occupational pension is to become mandatory for companies with over 500 employees and all employers starting from 2029. Early retirement without an age requirement is to be limited to people who cannot work anymore due to health reasons.

An increase in the statutory retirement age is deemed "appropriate" only if life expectancy increases, but the pension level should not fall below 48 percent. The party also proposes a fundamental state reform, better financing for municipalities, and a strict approach to "constitution opponents." This includes potentially reviewing an AfD ban as constitutionally justified.