Dennis Radtke, the head of the CDU’s workers’ wing, told the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” that his party has been presenting a weak image in the current social policy debate. “In recent weeks the Union’s appearance has been poor” he said. “A collection of wild, individual proposals does not amount to a comprehensive, popular‑accepted concept”. Radtke stressed that the pressure for reform in Germany is “undeniable” but the real challenge lies in tying together the varied discussion points. “This applies to both the government and intra‑party debates within the CDU”.
Radtke welcomed an internal call for discipline from party leader Friedrich Merz. “I do not see this statement as a gag order but as a plea for discipline” Radtke, chair of the Christian Democratic Employees’ Union (CDA), explained. Merz had, in a closed-door meeting of the CDU’s leadership on Monday, urged his colleagues to refrain from making hyper‑specific social‑reform proposals as the upcoming state elections loom.
Over recent weeks, various CDU initiatives on social reform have caused unease. The CDU’s economic wing complained about “lifestyle part‑time” work in Germany, while the CDU Economic Council called for the removal of statutory insurance coverage for dental treatments.
