April 10, 2025 (Wed) – Regional News
ㅇ CDU/CSU and SPD presented a coalition agreement on April 9 (Tue), outlining policy directions across 17 areas for the next four years
- Immigration policy: significant tightening through △introduction of third-country asylum procedures, △2-year deferral for family reunification of subsidiary protection holders, △enhanced deportation measures, and legal groundwork for △detention and reduced legal aid for undocumented migrants
- Economic and industrial policy: strengthening business incentives through △corporate tax cut (from 2028), △expanded investment tax credits, and establishment of a “Germany Fund,” alongside expanded investment in key technologies and support for industrial transformation
- Defense: comprehensive overhaul of the Bundeswehr and national security architecture via △€150 billion defense budget increase, △introduction of voluntary military service, and △creation of a National Security Council
ㅇ HE State Premier Rhein highlights distinctions from the former traffic-light coalition in response to the coalition agreement
- Notes that HE state's policy stances are reflected in △immigration, △internal security, and △economic policy
- While the HE Business Association (VhU) criticized the coalition for lack of momentum in competitiveness and legislation, the Chemical Industry Association (VCI) welcomed the start of a “functioning government”
ㅇ BW State Premier Kretschmann stresses that “the new government must not fail” in response to the coalition agreement
- Calls for △constitutional reform, △trust in national fiscal management, and △sustainable reform
- CDU state leader Manuel Hagel warns against premature criticism, emphasizing the need for “a strong team and policy”
- State Environment Minister Thekla Walker warns the coalition may negatively affect △wind energy and △energy transition in southern Germany
ㅇ BY State Premier Söder describes the new coalition as “not a love marriage but a potential bestseller”
- Emphasizes that the coalition reflects CDU/CSU positions such as △creation of a digital ministry and △stricter immigration policy
- Welcomes strengthened immigration measures, including △rejection of illegal border crossers, △tougher naturalization conditions, and △restricted access to social benefits, alongside efforts for economic revitalization
ㅇ The City of Frankfurt announces a review of minimum fare regulations for app-based transportation services
- Aims to address issues such as △price dumping, △illegal operations, and △unfair competition
- City plans to assess the impact on the taxi industry
- Prosecutors revealed findings from January raids: △100 forged licenses and △€2.5 million in damages, estimating up to 25% of vehicles may be operating illegally