The efforts by the CDU party leadership to increase its presence in the rural regions of Eastern Germany and challenge the AfD party are reportedly facing difficulties.
According to “Der Spiegel”, a structural support consultant assigned for the “White Spots Program” by the Konrad-Adenauer-Haus in the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern regional chapter was let go just weeks after starting his position. A CDU spokeswoman confirmed that the employment relationship had been terminated and stated that the individual was no longer working for the party. She declined to give reasons, citing personal rights.
CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann had announced this program, aimed at stabilizing and restructuring organizational pillars, following a party executive meeting last autumn. The initial focus for the Christian Democrats was on Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Saxony-Anhalt, which were designated as “model regions”. This intense focus comes as both states are due to hold new state elections in September, with the AfD currently polling significantly above 30 percent.
Originally, Linnemann had set the start date for January 1st. In practice, two structural consultants began their roles in the CDU offices in Schwerin and Magdeburg in early March. While the consultant for Saxony-Anhalt is still undergoing training, the tenure of his colleague in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern ended during the probationary period. The CDU plans to fill this position with a new hire.
