SPD candidate Andreas Larem

Five questions for Andreas Larem

How do you intend to strengthen the educational landscape at the federal level, and how can schools and educational institutions in your constituency specifically benefit from this?

To ensure every child has the best possible start in life, we must focus on expanding childcare places, language support, and a joint initiative between the federal and state governments to attract qualified professionals. We will provide better support for educational institutions in socially disadvantaged regions. The money must go where it is most needed. This is precisely what the "Startchancen" (Starting Opportunities) program makes possible – including in my constituency. Since this year, the Erich Kästner Elementary School, the Heinrich Heine School, and the Wilhelm Leuschner School have been able to invest specifically in learning-enhancing equipment. Now, this program must be extended to include daycare centers.

What measures do you support at the federal level to better manage migration, and how do you intend to ensure that these are implemented in a socially responsible manner in your constituency?

Diversity is an enrichment. We will continue to grant protection to those entitled to it and support their integration. For people who simply want to work in Germany, we want to create more legal pathways to entry and faster qualification recognition through the further development of the Skilled Immigration Act. At the same time, deportations must be carried out consistently when the right to remain has been denied. We will relieve the burden on municipalities by providing stronger support to immigration authorities and accelerating asylum procedures to six months.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are considered the backbone of the German economy. What federal policy measures do you plan to implement to strengthen SMEs, and how can you provide targeted support to companies in your region?

Urgent improvements are needed in the environment for industry and businesses. Capping electricity grid fees and providing tax relief for climate-friendly technologies will secure jobs, provide planning certainty, and strengthen Germany's competitiveness. Companies can improve their attractiveness to skilled workers by increasing pension levels and expanding unemployment benefits.

How do you intend to promote a sustainable energy transition nationwide, and how can local initiatives and projects in your constituency be given greater support?

The opportunities presented by the energy transition must be harnessed for the benefit of society as quickly as possible. Our goal is a complete supply of renewable energy, resulting in permanently low energy prices for everyone. In addition to expanding decentralized energy supply and providing targeted subsidies, it is essential to support states and municipalities in meeting their investment needs. This can be achieved through a reform of the debt brake and the establishment of a Germany Fund to mobilize public and private capital.

What federal policy priorities do you set to advance the expansion of infrastructure in your constituency, and how can you ensure that the interests of your region are heard in Berlin?

Education, digitalization, climate protection – securing a modern, sustainable infrastructure requires money. We must create the necessary framework for this. The rigid rules of the debt brake make future investments impossible. They pose a risk to the prosperity of current and future generations. By reforming the debt brake, we are opening up more borrowing options for states and municipalities. Debt relief for existing debts and revenues from inheritance and wealth taxes ensure their financial viability. Long-term support requires financing agreements between the different levels of government and loans from the Germany Fund.

Summary of the election program for the 2025 election

Since 2021, I have represented the citizens of Darmstadt and Darmstadt-Dieburg in the Bundestag. In the February election, I ask for your continued trust so that I can continue to advocate for their interests. My goal is to achieve the best for the people – with policies that consider everyone and bring about positive change. The issues are diverse: better childcare places, equal opportunities, support for families, affordable housing, adequate pensions, climate protection, peace, and the fight against right-wing extremism. Despite the challenges, I believe that with courage, the right answers, and unity, we can achieve a great deal. I am running for office with experience, competence, and a clear plan.