Friedrich Merz, the CDU leader, delivered a speech at the beginning of the Berlin party conference, advocating for the political center in Germany. Despite predictions of a shift to the right, there was no significant change in the party’s direction. The prime ministers of CDU praised Merz’s speech but received little attention as most delegates had already left the hall.
Merz’s speech lasted almost an hour and a half and covered various topics typical of CDU party conferences, including the party’s history, Christian values, local political successes, and international crises. The theme of the conference was “Winning the future together,” emphasizing the party’s readiness for government responsibility at the federal level.
Merz also criticized the current governing coalition and reiterated his commitment to freedom and responsibility in politics. He emphasized unity between CDU and CSU and highlighted the importance of having a strong welfare state supported by prosperity from maintaining Germany’s industrial position. Merz also addressed security issues, especially in relation to armed forces and international threats such as terrorism.
He criticized parties like AfD for undermining European values with support from Russia. Merz did not mention left-wing parties directly in his speech but implied a willingness to work with them under certain conditions. The party conference confirmed him in office with almost 90% of delegates’ support, signaling a positive outcome. However, his leadership will be tested in upcoming state elections in eastern Germany where he will determine his future direction as leader.
Overall, Merz presented himself as a statesman who believes that Germany needs a strong welfare state supported by prosperity from maintaining its industrial position while working towards unity between CDU and CSU. His speech focused on issues important to both conservative voters and those concerned about national security while addressing criticism from some quarters about his leadership style.
As leader of one of Europe’s largest political parties, Merz has played an important role in shaping German politics over recent years. However, it remains to be seen whether he can maintain this momentum through upcoming elections in eastern Germany where he will need to prove his leadership abilities once again before embarking on any ambitious plans for future growth or reform within Europe or beyond its borders.
Despite fears about a shift to the right among some delegates at this year’s Berlin party conference, it appears that Friedrich Merz has maintained his grip on power within CDU leadership. His speech provided ample evidence that he is committed to working towards unity between CDU and CSU while advocating for conservative values such as freedom and responsibility in politics.
With upcoming state elections set for next year in eastern Germany, it will be interesting to see how Merz navigates these challenges while continuing to push forward with plans for growth and reform within Europe or beyond its borders. Only time will tell if he can maintain this momentum or if new challenges emerge that could test his leadership abilities once again.