Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Parliament Debates Wind Power Law, Social Media Regulation, and Volunteer Support

The Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania state parliament convened on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, to debate 13 bills and over 30 motions, with key discussions centering on revisions to wind power legislation, a potential social media ban for minors, and a proposed driving license subsidy for young volunteers.

Wind Power Law Revision

A central point of contention is the Citizens and Community Participation Act, which aims to ensure that operators of wind and solar parks provide fixed annual payments to local communities and residents. The initial proposal faced criticism from the wind power industry, which expressed concerns that high taxes would stifle investment and hinder the energy transition. The governing coalition has revised the bill with a new calculation model intended to alleviate some of the financial burden on wind power operators, though the state association for renewable energies argues that solar energy remains disproportionately affected.

Social Media Regulation for Minors

Lawmakers are also considering a potential ban on social media access for children under 14. Both government and opposition factions have put forward initiatives to define a minimum age, regulate platforms, and enhance media literacy. Prime Minister Schwesig has urged the federal government to act swiftly, expressing frustration with the pace of an expert commission currently reviewing the issue. The CDU parliamentary group is advocating for mandatory age verification and the deactivation of accounts belonging to underage users.

Driving License Subsidy for Volunteers

The CDU has proposed a “rag bonus” – a driving license subsidy for volunteers aged 30 and under. The program would provide up to 50 percent, or a maximum of 2,000 euros, towards the cost of a driving license for individuals who volunteer for at least three years in roles such as sports trainers, firefighters, or cultural organizations.

Strengthening Political Education

The Alliance 90/The Greens are seeking to enshrine the state center for political education in law, guaranteeing its existence and protecting it from potential abolition by future governments. Parliamentary group leader Constanze Oehlrich emphasized the importance of political education in combating increasing hostility towards democracy and the spread of disinformation, particularly in the context of upcoming state elections in September where the AfD currently leads in polls.

Rising Prices Debate

The AfD parliamentary group initiated a debate on rising prices, exercising its right to set the agenda for the current session.