Reform Democracy & Increase Transparency

1. Make Lobbying Illegal

Lobbying is actually not an important part of democracy, but it must be transparent and fair. VisionDeutschland is committed to ensuring that lobbying does not become an instrument of corruption and abuse. Our measures:

1. Public Register:
   • All lobbyists and their clients are recorded in a public register.
   • In addition to names and contact details, the goals of lobbying, the resources used, and the contacts with politicians are also detailed.
   • Information about the financial backing of lobbying groups, previous activities of lobbyists, and memberships in clubs and associations are also published.
   • The register is freely accessible online and offers a user-friendly search function.
   • Regular reports summarize the most important lobbying activities.
   • Lobbyists must update all information regularly. Violations are punished with substantial fines.
2. Penalties:
   • Secret meetings between politicians and lobbyists are treated as a crime.
   • Possible penalties include imprisonment, large fines, and loss of passive voting rights.
   • An independent investigative office will be established to uncover and prosecute violations.
   • Party donations must become more transparent. Large donations are published immediately, and there are upper limits for donations.
3. \"Cooling-off\" period:
   • After leaving office, politicians may not work as lobbyists for at least three years.
   • In particularly sensitive areas (e.g., defense industry, pharmaceutical industry), the deadline can even be five years.
   • The "Cooling-off" period also applies to civil servants in decision-relevant positions.
   • Compliance with the "Cooling-off" period is strictly monitored. Violations will be penalized consistently.

2. No More Secret Meetings

Citizens have a right to know what is happening in politics. VisionDeutschland stands for politics without backrooms, for open debates and transparent decisions. Only in this way can we regain citizens' trust and strengthen democracy. Our demands:

1. Public Sessions:
   • All sessions of the Bundestag, the Bundesrat, and all parliamentary committees, working groups, and commissions will be streamed live on the internet.
   • The livestreams are designed to be accessible and available in multiple languages.
   • Citizens can ask questions and provide comments during the sessions.
2. Transparent Documents:
   • Draft laws are published already in the drafting phase.
   • The documents are written in clear and understandable language.
   • They are available in various digital formats.
   • Online platforms allow citizens to submit comments on draft laws and exchange views with other citizens.
3. Whistleblower Protection:
   • Whistleblowers can report wrongdoing anonymously.
   • They receive financial support and free legal protection.
   • The protection also applies to whistleblowers in the private sector.

With these measures, we aim to usher in a new era of transparency in politics. Citizens should be able to trace at any time how political decisions are made and who influences them. Only then can we enable genuine citizen participation and restore trust in politics.

3. Full Transparency: VisionDeutschland Opens the Books

Trust is built through openness and honesty. VisionDeutschland wants a government that pours pure wine to citizens, makes all information accessible to them, and actively involves them in political processes. Our measures:

We want to put citizens at the center of politics. They should know what the government is doing and have the opportunity to actively participate.

4. Experience politics live & 5. Public relations 2.0

6. Stay up to date: VisionGermany's weekly briefing

7. End of Privileges: For a Citizen-Centric Politics

We want to ensure that members do not lose touch with the everyday reality of citizens. They should know the concerns and hardships of people and represent their interests.

8. The Golden Wrap-Up: Additional Measures