The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is proposing a minimum age of 14 for access to social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, citing the need to protect children and young people. According to a CDU spokesperson, delegates at the party’s convention in Stuttgart approved a motion urging the federal government to “introduce a statutory age limit of 14 years for the use of social networks.” The government was also asked to develop provisions to address the “special need for protection up to the age of 16 in the digital realm.”
Delegates in Stuttgart also approved a motion for nationwide rules regarding a ban on mobile phones in schools. The proposal suggests developing a uniform regulation at the level of the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs concerning the use of private mobile phones and digital devices for students up to the tenth grade.
Controversial Discussion Over JU Pension Proposal
The party convention also saw votes on various social policy proposals. A contentious motion from the Young Union (JU) to abolish penalty-free retirement at age 63 initially failed. After a controversial debate, delegates decided to refer the motion, titled “Reform Year 2026 – Courage to Craft Decisions,” to the Union’s parliamentary group. Prior to the vote, JU Chairman Johannes Winkel had strongly advocated for its adoption, arguing the party must position itself and make far-reaching proposals, including linking the retirement age to life expectancy and increasing pension deductions for early retirees.
North Rhine-Westphalia’s Social Minister Karl Josef Laumann countered that adopting such a motion would commit the party to positions that would not find support in many parts of the population, particularly ahead of upcoming state elections. He also argued that the JU’s proposed unpaid leave day for workers would be too contentious.
Whereas, a motion from the JU to increase child benefits was approved. The CDU intends to reverse the 2023 reduction in the income threshold for receiving parental allowance. Currently, a taxable annual income of 175,000 euros is the limit for eligibility.
Delegates unanimously voted to abolish telephone sick leave, a proposal originating from the SME and Economic Association. The decision states that telephone sick leave is a contributing factor to the high rate of illness, though it was deemed necessary during the coronavirus pandemic to avoid infections and relieve pressure on medical practices.
No Full Minimum Wage for Seasonal Agricultural Workers
With strong consensus, the CDU also voted in favor of deviations from the minimum wage for seasonal workers in agriculture, despite the fact that such exceptions are legally questionable after review by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture. Delegates at the party convention in Stuttgart approved a corresponding motion from the Südbaden district association.
The motion states, “The minimum wage weakens the competitiveness of domestic businesses and thus our supply security in Germany.” It argues that agriculture relies on foreign seasonal workers for production, who primarily assist during peak harvest times and come from countries where hourly wages are already significantly above local standards, even below the minimum wage.
In another health policy decision, the convention called for a ban on smoking in cars when minors are present, encompassing both tobacco products and e-cigarettes and vapes.
A controversial motion from the Schleswig-Holstein state association to introduce a sugar tax on sugary drinks like sodas was not adopted. Schleswig-Holstein’s Minister President Daniel Günther had advocated for its adoption, pointing out that a quarter of children are overweight: “We need a tax with an incentive effect to counteract these massive health problems.”
However, delegates followed the recommendation of the motions committee to reject the proposal. “A sugar tax is not health policy, but green paternalism,” said Deputy Secretary General Christina Stumpp. She argued that a sugar tax is a measure whose success is questionable and would “interfere deeply with the everyday lives of citizens.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What age limit is the CDU proposing for social media use?
The CDU is proposing a statutory age limit of 14 years for the use of social networks.
What action did the CDU accept regarding mobile phone use in schools?
The CDU approved a motion for nationwide rules regarding a ban on mobile phones in schools, suggesting a uniform regulation be developed at the level of the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs.
What happened to the JU’s proposal to abolish penalty-free retirement at 63?
The motion was initially rejected and referred to the Union’s parliamentary group for further consideration.
As the CDU moves forward with these proposals, will they gain traction within the governing coalition and ultimately become law?
