On Friday morning the CDU began its two‑day federal party conference in Stuttgart. Chancellor and party leader Friedrich Merz opened the event, saying that over the next two days delegates will debate together and make “decision‑making” choices for the party. He reminded them that Germany faces “major tasks” in a time of “deep-reaching change”. The world is realigning, Europe is under pressure, and Germany is required more than ever. His administration aims to secure economic strength, protect the country, strengthen defence, and keep the social state viable. “We want to enable innovation and bring our society together again” he added, noting that the CDU bears the responsibility.
The main agenda item is the election of the executive board, scheduled to start after 3 p.m. on Friday. All eyes are on Merz’s re‑election as party chair; a clear drop below 90 percent would likely be seen as a setback for him. Before the vote, he will deliver a long speech to the delegates, balancing the need to signal a fresh start for the party without upsetting the coalition partner SPD.
Session 1 will begin around 8 p.m. on Friday. It will open with the federal board’s motion titled “For a New Upswing in the Housing Market”. During Friday and Saturday, additional motions will address topics such as a possible social‑media ban for minors, a bureaucratic moratorium, and further social reforms.
Saturday will also feature speeches from Union faction leader Jens Spahn and CSU leader Markus Söder. The party conference will conclude at 3 p.m. on Saturday.
