Andreas Rödder, a 56-year-old professor of recent history at the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz and a member of the CDU, was involved in the drafting of the new CDU basic program as the head of the CDU Basic Values Commission until his resignation in the fall of 2023 following criticism from within the party. He also heads the conservative think tank R21. During an interview with WELT, Rödder discusses the recent CDU party congress where the new basic program saw 100% approval and the party chairman, Friedrich Merz, received 90% support, dispelling any notion of a setback for Merz.
Rödder describes Merz’s speech at the party congress as statesmanlike, focusing on substance rather than attacks or polemics. He believes that the CDU needs to focus on providing strong, balanced, and substantive content, especially in a year with important elections. He sees the party’s decision to adopt the new program without opposition and the smooth running of the party congress as a vote of confidence in Friedrich Merz’s leadership.
When asked if the recent party congress signals a break with former Chancellor Angela Merkel, Rödder explains that the CDU has realigned itself to address new challenges and changing times. The party has provided clear signals of a more conservative and bourgeois orientation in areas such as migration, energy, defense, and foreign policy, indicating a shift in approach.
Rödder indicates that while Friedrich Merz is currently the unchallenged leader of the CDU, as the party approaches the official decision on the chancellor candidate in the fall, many things can change. He acknowledges that CSU leader Markus Söder could be a formidable competitor to Merz for the chancellor candidacy but notes that Merz presented himself as a statesman while Söder focused on lighter moments during the party congress.
Despite speculation about potential coalition partners for the CDU in the future, Rödder believes the party should focus on fostering self-confidence and differentiation rather than engaging in coalition debates. He emphasizes the importance of the CDU maintaining a strong opposition stance and not presuming victory in the upcoming elections, highlighting the uncertainty of political outcomes.
Reflecting on the CDU’s history and the unexpected rise of Olaf Scholz to the chancellorship in 2021, Rödder stresses the importance of remaining focused on substantive issues, rather than presuming electoral success. He assures that nobody in the CDU leadership underestimates Scholz and emphasizes the need for the party to remain vigilant and avoid complacency in the upcoming elections.
