Hesse Coalition Agreement: Midway Through the Term

The coalition agreement between the CDU and SPD in the German state of Hesse, signed in late 2023 under the motto "One for all," is now at the midpoint of its planned five-year legislative period. The government's program outlines significant challenges, including the war in Ukraine, economic and migration crises, and climate change, stating that these "challenges we overcome together - or not at all."

A central focus of the agreement is the strengthening of education. This includes plans to hire more educators and teachers and to expand all-day school offerings. While the multi-tiered school system will be preserved, the government aims to enhance its full-day programs. This initiative aligns with the nationwide legal entitlement to all-day care for primary school children, which begins incrementally in August, starting with first-graders.

The coalition also commits to increasing police staffing in Hesse. The state currently has over 16,000 police officers, representing an approximate 18 percent increase since 2014, according to the Interior Ministry. The agreement acknowledges the "right to asylum" but also points to a "limit of burden." Consequently, the government intends to curb irregular migration while simultaneously bolstering the integration of refugees with a right to stay.

Recent trends indicate a significant decrease in refugee numbers in Hesse. This decline is attributed to factors such as stricter border controls within Germany and more restrictive migration policies implemented by other European nations. The coalition now faces the task of implementing its agenda in the second half of its term, navigating these complex issues.