Linnemann: No longer living at the expense of our children.

The traffic light lacks billions to pay for its plans. New debts should fix it, say many voices from the traffic light camp. The Union sees it differently. First the government has to say clearly what is important to it – and what it wants to forego. This is what CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann is calling for. The Chancellor’s government declaration was no help, he emphasized to RTL. Linnemann refers to a letter he received: In it a citizen wrote that people don’t know any more after the government declaration than before. Where is the journey going? Which way does the traffic light take? Nothing to say, “that doesn’t work,” says Linnemann. He affirms: “It is important to be active in day-to-day politics. On the other hand, you need a chancellor who has a vision, who has goals, who provides orientation.”

The CDU’s proposals

The CDU has a clear world view. And it names specific points about what you need to pay attention to and where you can save money. This way you can avoid new debts. But to do this you have to have the courage to make cuts, forego projects and stop existing spending. The CDU General Secretary gives examples:

1. Strengthen support and challenge again.

“We would abolish citizens’ money in its current form.” In Germany, under the Union, the principle of supporting and demanding at the same time applied. Anyone who needs help gets it. To do this, you have to make your own efforts and be willing to take action as best you can. “Nobody has to work in Germany,” says Linnemann. “But if I receive social assistance and can work, then I cannot assume that others will pay for it.” Social assistance must focus on those who are really in need, emphasizes the CDU general.

2. Deadline regulation for Ukraine refugees

“We are simply at the limit,” says the CDU general with regard to citizens’ money and social assistance for refugees and asylum seekers. Linnemann suggests a “deadline regulation” for refugees from Ukraine. This should determine whether these refugees continue to receive citizen’s benefit. The following still applies: “No one has to go hungry here. Everyone gets a bed. Everyone gets support.” But Germany and German politics must now also “think about the future of our children.”

“We are the party that gets concrete. I don’t hear anything from Olaf Scholz.” Carsten Linnemann

3. Basic child protection

The family minister wants to create 5,000 new civil servant positions, criticizes Linnemann. In the management! That’s “unbelievable,” he says. The government is creating new bureaucracy “and doesn’t think about the children.” The money can be better invested or saved straight away.

4. Fewer government appointees

Almost 50 government officials receive money from the state. “This year it will cost 30 million euros,” calculates Linnemann. He asks: “Why don’t we abolish them? To this day I don’t know what they do all day.”

Set priorities. Comply with the debt brake.

The debt brake can be adhered to, emphasizes Linnemann. The state can even take on 24 billion euros in new debt. With a look at all of our everyday lives, he shows where the limits are and how things should work. “It’s like a normal citizen: He goes to the bank. The bank gives a loan. But at some point it will be over.” What the citizen does, the state should also do, demands the CDU general secretary. “Getting by with the money he makes. Living at the expense of the next generation – this must finally come to an end.”

“If we don’t set priorities now, when will we?” Carsten Linnemann

New elections in 2024? The CDU is ready!

“We are prepared,” says Linnemann, referring to possible new elections. The CDU is ready to lead an election campaign and take responsibility. “We are capable of governing. We have a program. We are closed. We are clearly positioned and will get it done.” Even in 2024, he confirms. Will new elections come? “The traffic lights have to decide that themselves.”

You can listen to the interview here.