Federal parliamentary member Florian Oest (CDU) has publicly criticized CDU leader and Chancellor Friedrich Merz, stating that both the federal government and the CDU itself urgently require a new direction characterized by “more substance.”
Oest, who is part of a group of district chairpersons, is among those demanding an immediate conference among the party’s district leaders. This demand is fueled by the recent election failures suffered by the CDU in Saxony-Anhalt and the Union’s continually weak polling figures nationally. Earlier this week, all district chairpersons from Saxony had sent a letter to Merz and CDU General Secretary Franziska Hoppermann regarding the urgent need for a meeting.
Oest stressed that the current political climate cannot afford any delays, explaining that they must quickly convene to address and resolve outstanding issues.
Regarding future policy, Oest proposed an “Agenda 2030,” which should operate on the principle that “the social sphere is what strengthens the economy.” He further challenged Merz directly, noting that the CDU’s Chancellor must first decide whether he possesses the strength to drive this fresh start. He concluded by asserting that a CDU Chancellor must provide clear direction to the nation and concretely solve existing problems.
