CDU party chief and German chancellor Friedrich Merz admitted in a speech at the start of the Christian Democratic federal party conference in Stuttgart that he may have made promises that were a bit too bold.
“Perhaps we did not make it clear in the aftermath of the change of government that we cannot achieve this massive reform effort overnight” Merz said on Friday. “I accept that criticism” he added. He urged his colleagues to stay bold, insisting that “there must be someone on the bridge who pushes forward”.
Merz also stressed his belief in the positive power of a clear vision, saying he would speak about what is possible rather than what cannot be done. He plans to be re‑elected as party chief by CDU delegates later that day. Observers are watching his electoral result closely, noting that in their last vote in 2024 he received about 90 percent approval.
