An independent field guide to Germany’s political parties
Issue deep dive
The parties propose different balances between income protection, work incentives, benefit conditions, wage floors, pensions and redistribution.
Christian Democratic Union · centre-right · Christian-democratic / conservative / market-oriented
Replace Bürgergeld with stricter basic security; reward work/extra hours.
Manifesto and profile sources: [6]
Christian Social Union in Bavaria · centre-right / conservative · Bavaria-only sister party of CDU
Same, often tougher rhetoric on eligibility.
Social Democratic Party · centre-left · social democratic
€15 minimum wage; pensions/rent protection; stronger collective bargaining.
Manifesto and profile sources: [10]
Bündnis 90/Die Grünen · centre-left / progressive · green politics
Social cushioning of transition; stronger basic security and public services.
Manifesto and profile sources: [13]
Alternative für Deutschland · right-populist / nationalist; significant far-right currents
Work obligations for long-term recipients; larger family/pension benefits in parts of programme.
Manifesto and profile sources: [16]
The Left · left / democratic-socialist
€15→€16 minimum wage target, sanctions-free minimum income, higher pensions.
Manifesto and profile sources: [21]
Free Democratic Party · liberal / market-liberal
Reform Bürgergeld, flexible retirement, private/capital pension elements.
Manifesto and profile sources: [24]
Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht – Vernunft und Gerechtigkeit · economically left + socio-culturally conservative
€15 minimum wage, stronger pensions, rent cap and public services.
Manifesto and profile sources: [27]
From proposal to policy