Jusos in Hessen demand overtax and housing program, clash with SPD leader

The Jusos regional group in Hessen released a 31‑page catalogue of policy demands aimed at preventing the SPD’s further decline and curbing the rise of the AfD, which polls at around 27‑30 %. They criticize SPD chair Lars Klingbeil, saying he “simply cannot” stop the party’s slide. The proposals include a corporate “over‑profit tax” to fund a €25 billion affordable‑housing programme in Hessen, a €300 climate‑cash payment per citizen, a 0 % VAT rate on staple foods, and a shift of the tank‑rebate money to a 9‑euro public‑transport ticket. The Jusos also call for increased social‑rent housing and higher remuneration for volunteers at BAföG levels. They plan to present these demands at the SPD party congress in Dietzenbach, urging a broader party reorientation on issues such as conscription, the energy price crisis and housing policy.