As the February 2025 federal elections approach, political parties are outlining their sports policies. Key topics include support for an Olympic bid, infrastructure improvements, and volunteerism. The CDU/CSU proposes elevating sports policy to the Federal Chancellery, while the SPD emphasizes sports as a state goal. All parties support volunteer initiatives, with the SPD focusing on a Center for Safe Sport. E-sports recognition is also a priority for CDU/CSU and FDP, highlighting the evolving political landscape in sports.
Overview of Political Parties’ Sports Policies Ahead of Federal Elections
As the early federal elections set for February 23, 2025, approach, the sports show takes a closer look at the election programs of various political parties. While sports often play a secondary role in political discourse, it’s essential to explore what key topics—such as the Olympics, sports funding, and volunteer work—are being addressed by the major parties.
The CDU/CSU has already unveiled its program, while the other significant parties have released drafts. Notably, the Alliance Sarah Wagenknecht (BSW) has yet to provide any details but plans to introduce its election program in January. Currently, sports policy appears to be absent in the preliminary programs of the AFD and the Left Party, leaving CDU/CSU, SPD, Greens, and FDP as the main parties for comparison.
Key Issues in Sports Policy
Regarding the Olympic bid, there is a consensus among the four parties in support of bringing the Olympic Games to Germany. However, specifics remain vague, including potential years for hosting. The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) is advocating for the Summer Games in 2040, with other potential years being 2036 and 2044. Despite the ambition, the search for a candidate city is chaotic, facing significant scrutiny from critics.
On the structural front, the CDU/CSU aims to elevate sports policy by establishing it within the Federal Chancellery and appointing a State Minister for Sports and Volunteering. This proposal aligns with the DOSB’s desires and is a distinctive feature of the Union’s approach, as sports policy has traditionally fallen under the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community. Meanwhile, the SPD seeks to enshrine sports as a fundamental state goal in the Basic Law.
When it comes to sports facilities, the SPD and the Greens are the only parties to explicitly address the need for infrastructure improvements. The SPD plans to assist states, municipalities, and clubs in renovating sports facilities, while the Greens propose expanding the federal program for facility upgrades, particularly swimming pools.
Volunteerism is another area where all parties express support, albeit with varying levels of detail. The CDU/CSU aims to significantly increase volunteer and coaching allowances and relieve volunteers from taxation—a sentiment echoed by the Greens. Both CDU/CSU and FDP advocate for reducing bureaucratic hurdles for clubs. Additionally, the Greens propose a nationwide engagement card that provides volunteers with discounted access to swimming pools and public transport.
Although the SPD has acknowledged the recently failed sports funding law, it is committed to further developing this legislation and continuing reforms in top-level sports. The CDU/CSU also expresses intentions to support top athletes beyond just military and police careers, emphasizing that ‘the sports billion’ should be accessible during the next legislative period, though specifics remain unclear.
Lastly, the SPD is the only party to mention the establishment of a Center for Safe Sport, aiming to combat various forms of violence within sports. The planned center seeks to address issues of physical, psychological, and sexualized violence. On another note, the Greens are advocating for an independent integrity agency to combat corruption in international sports, emphasizing the importance of human rights and sustainability within sports policy.
In the realm of e-sports, the CDU/CSU and FDP are keen to promote recognition and support for the e-sports landscape, with the CDU/CSU proposing charitable status for e-sports. The Greens also call for increased attention to this growing domain. Both the CDU/CSU and FDP express a desire to strengthen federal youth games, integrating competitive elements and performance incentives.
As the political landscape evolves, the major parties are swiftly presenting their election programs. It remains to be seen how these policies will shape the future of sports in Germany as they gear up for the upcoming election campaign.