Economic issues dominate the election campaign in Germany, yet critical topics like affordable housing and education receive minimal focus. Recent events featuring Chancellor Scholz and rival Merz highlight their campaign messaging rather than addressing union concerns. Surveys reveal a significant wealth gap as a major issue, while party platforms propose various solutions to the housing crisis and education reforms. Political discourse appears ideologically driven, lacking concrete actions, although the campaign is still in its early stages.
Economic issues are the primary focus of the ongoing election campaign. Yet, many citizens in Germany express significant concerns over affordable housing and education. Why are these critical topics receiving so little attention?
A rare instance occurs when both the Chancellor and his main opponent appear at the same event: DGB General Secretary Yasmin Fahimi has invited Olaf Scholz and Friedrich Merz to meet union members. Unfortunately, a direct confrontation between these political rivals does not take place.
Shortly after SPD Chancellor Scholz departs the event, Union Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz enters the union house in Berlin. DGB members from across Germany gather to discuss pressing issues like the minimum wage, the future of the industrial sector, and the balance between family life and work. As is customary, prominent politicians are also in attendance.
Last year, both Scholz and Economic Minister Robert Habeck participated behind closed doors. This time around, in the context of the election campaign, they appear before the media alongside Fahimi, effectively using the opportunity as a platform for their campaigns.
Election Campaign Messaging
However, the public display seems less about addressing the unions’ perspectives on Germany’s challenges and more about reiterating key messages Scholz and Merz aim to promote at every available opportunity.
Scholz argues that “a Made-in-Germany bonus is necessary to retain industry within the country,” while Merz insists that “Germany must bolster its industrial and small business sector.” Scholz also highlights the need to reduce the EEG levy, while Merz brings attention to the potential impact of Trump’s proposed import tariffs in the electoral discussion.
The economy stands out as a significant topic in this election campaign. In contrast, other areas seem to focus on less pressing issues, such as the debate surrounding social contributions on capital income to alleviate the healthcare system. Observers note a lack of political parties articulating grand societal visions during this election cycle.
Housing and Education: Key Issues
According to recent surveys, approximately three-quarters of Germans identify the growing wealth gap as the most pressing issue affecting societal cohesion. However, most election programs address social unity more as a catchphrase rather than a concrete policy initiative.
Political scientist Antonios Souris points out that the housing crisis has consistently been a top concern, even on a European scale. Reviewing the party platforms, the SPD, Greens, Left, and BSW all advocate for extending or permanently suspending rent controls.
Research has indicated that rent control measures have not effectively mitigated rising rental prices, and few tenants pursue legal action against their landlords. Conversely, the Union aims to encourage new construction through “pragmatic approaches” and increased availability of building land. The FDP proposes to enable more individuals to own property by suspending transfer taxes for amounts up to 500,000 euros, a stance also shared by the AfD, which seeks to eliminate this tax for homeowners entirely.
With the dissolution of the traffic light coalition, extending rent control seems increasingly unlikely.
Education Policy in Focus
Education is a critical concern for many Germans, yet it largely falls under state jurisdiction. The FDP is pushing for reforms that would eliminate the Conference of Ministers of Education, which currently serves as the states’ decision-making body. They also advocate for performance-based compensation for teachers.
The SPD seeks to advance the Digital Pact for Schools and gradually implement the Start Chances Program, aimed at reducing the impact of parental background on children’s educational outcomes. Meanwhile, the Greens propose utilizing the “Germany Fund,” suggested by Economic Minister Habeck, for school investments.
The Union promotes increased all-day school offerings and personalized support for children, while the AfD raises concerns about “Islamization in German schools,” proposing to restrict Islamic education under state supervision—an initiative echoed by the German Teachers’ Association, which is common in Christian education.
The Left party advocates for free education from kindergarten through university, while the BSW calls for standardized curricula across all federal states.
Why Aren’t Key Issues Being Addressed?
So, why are these pressing issues not more prominently featured in the election campaign? Political scientist Souris notes that the current discourse seems heavily ideological, lacking a focus on actionable measures. However, we are still at the early stages of a relatively short campaign.
The limited preparation time leading up to the federal election means that the FDP has only managed to release a draft program so far. In many parties, election programs are finalized during party conventions, where last-minute changes can occur. The FDP’s convention is scheduled for February 9 in Potsdam, just two weeks before the election.
For in-depth analyses, reports, and background information on the upcoming federal election in February 2025, stay tuned to relevant news outlets.