Just before the CDU’s party convention in Stuttgart, the chairman of the Junge Union, Johannes Winkel, pressed the party for decisive reforms. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” (Friday edition), Winkel said that especially in social and economic policy the CDU cannot leave everything to committees. He noted that the economic climate is difficult and people are looking for answers, not problem descriptions. For him the upcoming meeting must be a “reform” party conference, not an administrative one, and the CDU needs the courage to make decisions.
At the same time, the CDU’s lead candidate for Baden‑Württemberg, Manuel Hagel, welcomed former Chancellor Angela Merkel’s presence at the federal party gathering in Stuttgart. Speaking to ntv, Hagel said Merkel’s participation sends a positive signal that the CDU is needed in these times and that it is strongest when united.
Hagel does not see a major clash between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Merkel, emphasizing that the country right now relies on the CDU, which is unbeatable when it stands together.
