Not now? CDU / CSU prevents one-year contracts

The new law for consumer contracts is supposed to be a "milestone for consumer protection".

But the CDU / CSU is making some changes.

Berlin - The coalition factions have agreed on changes to the government draft for consumer contracts.

This was announced by the Union faction on April 20, 2021.

The government draft includes, among other things, freedom and protection against long contract terms.

Originally, the permissible term should be limited to one year.

However, the federal parliamentary group of the CDU and CSU now enforced "that contract terms of two years are still possible".

Jan-Marco Luczak, legal and consumer policy spokesman for the CDU / CSU parliamentary group, sees “the law as a milestone for consumer protection”.

Because it creates clarity and transparency for both consumers and companies.

The law for fair consumer contracts aims to protect consumers “in the future much better against unfair contracts and cost traps”.

Nevertheless, the freedom of contract must be preserved.

Consumers should have the opportunity to conclude contracts according to their personal needs.

A contract term of two years offers the consumer advantages, says Luczak.

Because often longer contract terms are associated with price advantages and greater flexibility.

Digital cancellation button for contracts for consumers

Another aspect of the law is the maximum extension of the contract if the notice period is missed. With the new law, contracts may not be extended immediately by one year, as before, but only by one month. This is to protect consumers from financial disadvantages. In addition, the coalition decided to introduce a mandatory cancellation button.

With a cancellation button in the online area, “Consumers should no longer suffer financial disadvantages from unintentional contract extensions,” explains the consumer protection officer of the CDU / CSU parliamentary group, Sebastian Steineke.

A contract must be able to be terminated just as quickly as it could previously be concluded.

Consumers can be happy because the Bundestag has spoken out in favor of a right to fast internet.

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