At the CDU/CSU and JU congress, discussions focus on cannabis legalization reconsideration, accelerating housing construction permits, and advancing social reform agendas within coalition limits.

Key figures cited include Greens reform advocate Hanna Steinmüller and policy critic Till Steffen, with reference to SPD Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig’s reform outline and existing Mietpreisbremse rules.

The broader debate balances tenant protections with landlords’ legitimate needs, such as using a property for Eigenbedarf when justified.

Exemptions to the rent cap include first occupation of new buildings, extensive modernization, older contracts, and short-term rental arrangements.

The Greens push for a nationwide expansion of the Mietpreisbremse (rent cap) and extend eviction protections for five years when tenants successfully enforce the cap, aiming to reduce fear of eviction under Eigenbedarf grounds.

The current rent cap framework allows new leases to exceed local comparable rents by up to ten percent, with exemptions for new buildings, major renovations, older contracts, and short-term rentals.

They argue the current reform proposal from Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig is too lenient, describing it as “holey like Swiss cheese” and only meeting the minimum to curb rising rents.

The discussion touches on broader Germany-facing policy topics, including pressure on China for market liberalization, European strategic autonomy, and debates on EU/ECB leadership, with German views on Iran and press freedom in Turkey.

Parliamentary debate on the Greens’ proposal is expected in the Bundestag on the coming Friday, February 27, signaling an ongoing contest over tighter rent controls and eviction rules.

In party leadership news, Merz is re-elected CDU leader with strong backing, alongside new CDU vice-chairs Karl-Josef Laumann and Ines Claus, as the party considers coalition guidance and direction.

Other notable items include potential ministerial positions related to pensions, seasonal agricultural workers’ wage exemptions, and a push to maintain a strong industrial base while reforming the social state for sustainability.