CDU/CSU parliamentary group leaders are demanding that Merz cut electricity taxes for everyone and introduce comprehensive social reforms

After the parliamentary group leaders' conference exchange with Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Sunday evening in the Federal Chancellery, the chairmen of the CDU/CSU factions in the states are continuing to put pressure on the federal government and urging it to implement rapid reforms. In view of the high cost of living, rising social security contributions and major burdens on the economy and municipalities, they are calling for concrete relief and further structural reforms.

"The electricity tax must now fall to the European minimum for everyone - not just for individual sectors. That would be a noticeable relief for families, trades, trade and medium-sized businesses. Electricity is a central cost factor in everyday life as well as in companies. If we take affordable living and economic competitiveness seriously, we also have to reduce state taxes. What is crucial is that the relief reaches people and companies," explains the chairman of the conference, the Lower Saxony party and parliamentary group leader Sebastian Lechner.

The parliamentary group leaders are also pushing for the implementation of the coalition committee's labor law agreements of July 1, 2026, the reduction of unnecessary reporting requirements and simpler social benefits. The action plan against abuse of social benefits must be implemented quickly. The Investment Protection Act must create legal certainty; Building type E must become the basic legal standard. “Expropriations do not create new housing,” emphasizes Lechner.

The deputy FVK chairman and Thuringian parliamentary group leader Andreas Bühl calls for more commitment: "People and companies are not waiting for the next reform summit, but for noticeable results. Electricity tax reductions for everyone, fewer reporting requirements and social reforms must now come quickly. We expect clear schedules and decisions - instead of ever new emergency repairs, a comprehensible overall concept."

Merz supports Aigner as Federal President

In addition to the upcoming reforms, there is also an important personnel decision to be made: Chancellor Friedrich Merz supports the CSU's proposal to nominate the President of the Bavarian State Parliament, Ilse Aigner, as a candidate for the office of Federal President. CSU boss Markus Söder had already brought Aigner into conversation weeks ago. There are now signs of joint support from the black-red coalition. Representatives of the SPD and the Greens also made positive comments about the 61-year-old. The official party committees are scheduled to discuss the nomination on Monday.