The next German government has a historic opportunity to set a progressive agenda for the coming decade. Read our newsletter to find out what’s at stake. Plus: All the latest publications & news from Das Progressive Zentrum.

On the occasion of the 2021 Bundestag election, Das Progressive Zentrum e.V. hosted the non-partisan “Great Election Night 2021” in the state representation of Rhineland-Palatinate.

On September 26th, German voters will decide on the future direction of the EU’s largest member state. Rarely has there been an election with such a striking opportunity to shape the social, economic, and ecological terms of German society. Although the race is still open, the chances are high that after 16 years of Chancellor Angela Merkel, Germany will soon be led by a new and progressive government. With such a seismic shift, it is not unreasonable to wonder: could this new era in Germany act as a catalyst for progressive politics across Europe? 

In the aftermath of the Dutch general election on 17 March 2021, join Das Progressive Zentrum and Policy Network to discuss the outcome and lessons learned for Europe’s progressives in times of COVID-19. What are the key takeaways for progressive actors from across the continent?

Tomorrow’s policies must be both visionary and efficient to meet the challenges of the pandemic and its aftermath. Our board members Michael Miebach and Judith Siller and our executive director Dominic Schwickert explain why progressive ideas belong on the agenda right now and take an optimistic look at 2021.

With the blog-series “Corona & Society”, Das Progressive Zentrum joins the debate on what society and politics can learn from the crisis, both politically and conceptually.

Das Progressive Zentrum has a new Board of Directors: Michael Miebach, founder of the think tank and longtime board member was elected as Chair for the first time. Tobias Dürr is passing him the baton after resigning after 12 years of successful and groundbreaking work. The Deputy Chair is Judith Siller, who will bring new perspectives to Das Progressive Zentrum. Additionally, the Board of Directors includes the Commissioner for Integration and Migration of the State of Berlin, Katarina Niewiedzial, as well as the former Head of the Brandenburg State Chancellery, Thomas Kralinski.

The Länder election in the Saarland is a dampener for the SPD. Nevertheless, Martin Schulz is bringing hope to the center-left all over Europe. The former president of the European Parliament is benefitting from the fact that the EU is seen as an increasingly positive issue in Germany. To remain successful, he must make tough policy choices and answer questions on how the SPD will finance its promises. 

The Brexit opens up a new policy space for the SPD. It can only profit from it, if it takes on a realistic stance with regard to the Article 50 negotiations, solves its inner-party contradiction concerning the future of the EU, wins the debate on stimulating growth – and if it puts policies to the forefront where Europe offers a visible extra benefit for the people.

Germany’s CDU are in disarray over the refugee crisis, but the SPD cannot presume to become the automatic beneficiaries

Struggling in the polls, the social democrats still need to learn the lessons of their defeat in 2013. A new focus on those the party failed to persuade last time may help them to do so.

Germany has recently been criticised for its current account surplus, urged to spend on investment to reflate Europe’s markets. However, domestic demand has been growing lately and additional investments would only have a marginal impact on export growth in countries where this is needed most. Europe must face the truth: it seems unlikely that Germany will back a ‘large pan-Eurozone fiscal stimulus’.

Sozialdemokratische Denker suchen eine Alternative zum »Raubtierkapitalismus«. Mit ihrer Häme über den Dritten Weg schießen sie übers Ziel hinaus.