During its first year in office, the Federal Government has introduced nearly 100 new laws. It has restructured the energy sector and expedited planning and construction procedures considerably. The Citizen's Basic Income is a social reform, which treats the beneficiaries with more respect. The biggest relief packages in the history of our country for citizens and businesses have been approved.

"It's about respect and cohesion – and about our climate!" Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz explained on the anniversary of the Federal Government's first year in office, adding that this was what the Federal Government had set out to achieve a year ago. "And, despite the fact that this year has been marked by the Russian offensive war, we have continued to pursue these goals and have achieved a great deal."

Germany is supporting Ukraine

Ever since the Russian offensive, the Federal Government has been supporting the Ukrainian people and the country's armed forces, always in close coordination with our European and international partners. Diplomacy remains important in this crisis, which has repercussions far beyond Ukraine. "The Russian president stands almost alone in the world thanks to his policies. He has no strong allies," said Federal Chancellor Scholz following the G20 summit in November. Read more about the war in Ukraine on our dedicated topic page.

Relief for the whole of Germany

Energy costs in Germany have risen sharply as a result of the war in Ukraine. The Federal Government's relief packages amount to a total of almost 300 billion euros. Support is being provided to citizens and the economy, energy costs are being curbed and jobs are being secured through such measures as the gas and electricity brake, higher child benefits, and business suupport schemes. Read more about the relief packages.

Respect and opportunities in the contemporary workplace

The Federal Government raised the minimum wage to twelve euros per hour with effect from 1 October. Some six million workers will benefit from this measure, particularly women and an above-average number of workers in eastern Germany.

21 million pensioners received a significant pension increase as a result of the annual pension adjustment. Around three million recipients of reduced earning capacity pensions will also receive more money in the long term.

These are just two examples, which show that this Federal Government's policies are centred on the general population and that it is supporting the workers who keep our country running.

Climate neutral by 2045

A comprehensive socio-economic transformation is needed to achieve climate neutrality by 2045. The Federal Government is accelerating the expansion of renewable energies: wind farms need to be erected and railways constructed quickly, which has taken many years until now.

The transport transition is an important part of the climate transition. The nine-euro ticket, which was introduced for a limited period during the summer, and sold 52 million times, has shown what is possible when people switch to public transport. The Federal Government is working on the introduction of a digital and monthly redeemable "Germany ticket" that will be valid throughout Germany as soon as possible, at a planned cost of 49 euros.

One thing is clear: protecting the climate will require international collaboration. This year, the Federal Government used its G7 presidency to promote an international climate club of particularly ambitious countries. Click here to read all about climate protection.

Direct contact with the public

The Federal Government attaches great importance to direct dialogue with the public, for example at the Open Day in Berlin in August, because it helps politicians to find out what is close to people's hearts and what their concerns are.

This year, the Federal Chancellor launched the Chancellor Dialogue: in Lübeck, Magdeburg, Essen, and Gifhorn. These dialogues will be continued next year in all federal states.