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CSU’s Key Demands at Kloster Seeon Meeting
From January 6 to 9, 2026, CSU Bundestag members are gathering at Kloster Seeon in Upper Bavaria for their annual political retreat. The party is prioritizing a “large deportation offensive,” especially targeting Syrians and Afghans, alongside advocating for early tax cuts for companies and a return to nuclear energy. This hardline stance on migration, outlined in a position paper obtained by the ARD Hauptstadtstudio, has caused unease among coalition partners, notably the SPD, and some CDU factions.
The CSU leadership’s focus on mass deportations entails organizing mass repatriations by scheduled flights to Syria and Afghanistan, reviving large-scale removals of migrants. The move is seen as an attempt to reclaim migration as a political issue ahead of major upcoming state elections, a strategy criticized by SPD representatives and some CDU members who view it as playing into far-right narratives.
Economic discussions at the retreat emphasize accelerated corporate tax reductions and renewed support for nuclear power. The meeting also features high-profile guests such as Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, both prominent supporters of Ukraine. CDU leader and Chancellor Friedrich Merz is expected to join the retreat on January 9 to discuss key topics with CSU leaders [Source 5][Source 2][Source 6].
Implications for Expats and Foreign Workers in Germany
For expats, international students, and foreign workers, the CSU’s push for stringent deportation policies signals potential increased immigration enforcement in 2026. Those from Syria and Afghanistan, in particular, may face heightened scrutiny and faster enforcement of deportation orders. While the exact scope and legal mechanisms have yet to be detailed publicly, this development could involve shorter deadlines for asylum procedures and less flexibility in appeals processes.
The party’s demand for early tax cuts and nuclear energy reintroduction could influence Germany’s broader economic landscape. For foreign workers and international businesses, accelerated corporate tax relief might improve job market conditions and investment opportunities, though details on the timing and scale of these tax policies remain unclear.
Given the political tensions surrounding the migration agenda and its opposition from parts of the coalition, foreigners residing in Germany should stay informed about potential changes to migration laws and regulations, including deadlines for residence permits and legal compliance. Monitoring official government announcements and consulting legal experts would be advisable to safeguard residency rights during this period of policy uncertainty [Source 5][Source 8].
