The Green Party candidate Philip Krämer

Five questions for Philip Krämer

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?

We Greens want a strong education system that offers equal opportunities for all children. With the €20 billion "Start Opportunities" program, we laid a foundation for this during this legislative period. But our country needs significantly more: a joint education initiative to reach even more schools. With a "Future Investment Program for Education," we aim to work together with states and municipalities nationwide and here in southern Hesse to ensure greater equality of opportunity.

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?

Migration is one of the greatest challenges of our time. We want to offer protection to people fleeing war and political persecution. Currently, however, there is also an additional need for approximately 400,000 workers, which means Germany needs skilled foreign workers and professionals. Therefore, we need forward-looking integration. This includes ensuring that people who are seeking a home in Germany, particularly in southern Hesse, and who want to contribute, receive a visa quickly. We want to simplify and finally digitize the lengthy, bureaucratic procedures for the recognition of educational qualifications and professional credentials.

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?

We need a state that provides planning certainty and stands by its decisions. As Greens, we want to invest through a Germany Fund, linked to a reform of the debt brake. Unlike the CDU, we are presenting a plan for how we will create investments that will pay off – in infrastructure, digitalization, and research. Bureaucracy will be streamlined, for example through faster approvals and simplified grant applications. This will also benefit the large medium-sized businesses in Darmstadt and the surrounding region.

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?

When we talk about climate protection, we're talking about protecting people, our prosperity, and our freedom and security. Climate protection and its effective and equitable implementation are essential. That's why we Greens want to introduce, among other things, a climate allowance for low and middle incomes, ensuring that people can embark on a climate-neutral future together. We're creating even more socially oriented funding programs, for example, for home renovations. Initiatives like community wind farms and solar projects in Darmstadt or the surrounding district, such as the Roßdorf Energy Community, should receive support more easily – through streamlined procedures and targeted funding programs. This strengthens regional economic development and protects our climate.

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?

We are increasing investments nationwide to improve mobility and digital networks. Darmstadt and the surrounding district will directly benefit from funding for local public transport, road and bridge repairs, and fiber optic expansion. Clearly defined participation rights for municipalities and close cooperation with local representatives ensure that regional concerns carry weight in Berlin.

Summary of the election program for the 2025 election

We are committed to decisive climate protection : significantly reducing the electricity tax, building a hydrogen network, and rapidly expanding renewable energies. This will keep energy affordable, protect nature, and keep the goal of climate neutrality within reach. We will combine a strong economy and social justice through a Germany Fund, faster digital administration, and targeted support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and skilled trades. Good education and affordable housing are top priorities on our agenda: Fair wages, reliable pensions, and modern infrastructure secure the future of all generations. Peace in freedom: Our security policy combines diplomacy, crisis prevention, and defense to preserve peace and prosperity. At the same time, we defend democracy and diversity, strengthen culture, civil society, and social cohesion. Together, we are shaping a just and sustainable country where everyone has the opportunity for a good life. This is what we stand for, and this is our promise.