A leading faction within Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the CDA (Christian Democratic Employees’ Association), has publicly commended Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s foreign policy initiatives while simultaneously urging a bolstered focus on domestic issues.
CDA Chairman Dennis Radtke told the Funke Media Group newspapers that Germany, under Merz’s leadership, has “returned to the Champions League” in terms of international affairs within the first 100 days of his chancellorship. However, Radtke stressed the need for the federal government to demonstrate greater efficacy and rebuild public trust on the domestic front.
He cited recent policy debates surrounding energy taxation and judicial appointments as having undermined otherwise positive initiatives, describing the situation as an “avalanche” burying potential progress. Radtke cautioned members of his own party against internal dissent, advocating for a shift from criticism to “leadership and confidence.
Acknowledging the recent election results, he further argued that a return to strictly adhering to traditional CDU principles is not a viable path forward, stating that compromise and clear communication of those compromises are now essential. Radtke concluded by suggesting that simply delivering “solid workmanship” – a competent and pragmatic approach to governing – would currently be sufficient to restore public confidence.
