Dennis Radtke, chairman of the CDU’s social wing, urged Chancellor and CDU leader Friedrich Merz to course-correct the party. Speaking to the Tagesspiegel, he stated that it is Merz’s responsibility to initiate a change in direction for the CDU. While Radtke clarified that he does not want to place this responsibility solely on Merz, stressing that everyone must contribute, he argued that Merz must use his leadership role to honestly analyze the current situation and gain a realistic understanding of public approval ratings.
The Member of the European Parliament lamented a narrowing of his party’s focus. Radtke criticized the Union’s ongoing crisis, linking it to the continuous narrowing of its ideological and personnel scope in recent years. He argued that the interpretation of “CDU pur” as purely conservative and economically liberal had failed.
Furthermore, the politician from North Rhine-Westphalia warned against intensifying societal polarization. He stated that the core business model of the Christian Democrats is to bring together different viewpoints within an open, liberal society. Radtke pointed out that “polarization and pouring oil on the fire only benefits the AfD.” He added, “We cannot defeat them using their tactics. Our strength lies in balancing different interests,” a principle that stems directly from the Christian view of humanity.
Finally, Radtke criticized the CDU for making unfounded and false promises in the past. He said, “Things were promised that were not subsequently implemented.” Simultaneously, he noted, “On the other hand, we sometimes promise things that the public does not expect.”
