Merz government plans new obligation – for 84 million citizens
Germany’s government is planning a major digital transformation of public services. A new Bürgerkonto (citizen account) could become mandatory for millions of residents, changing how people communicate with authorities and access government services.
The Bürgerkonto is not a bank account but a secure digital account for dealing with government agencies online. It is designed to allow citizens to submit applications, receive official documents, and complete administrative procedures without visiting government offices in person.
Under the plans of the Merz government, Germany wants to move toward a fully digital administration. The account would become the central access point for online government services, with the aim of reducing bureaucracy and making processes faster for citizens and authorities.
The system is expected to develop from the existing BundID (Federal User Account) into a broader DeutschlandID (Germany ID). It is also planned to connect with the European EUDI-Wallet, allowing people to prove their identity digitally through smartphones and use electronic documents across Europe.
Supporters argue that the Bürgerkonto could eliminate paperwork, shorten waiting times, and make government services more efficient. However, critics have raised questions about data protection, digital access, and whether elderly people or those without reliable internet access could face difficulties. Authorities have said alternative options must remain available for citizens who cannot use digital services.
The planned introduction of a mandatory Bürgerkonto represents one of Germany’s biggest steps toward digital government. While the government sees it as a solution to outdated bureaucracy, the debate over privacy, security, and personal freedom is expected to continue as implementation moves forward.