Schleswig-Holstein Prime Minister Daniel Günther, a member of the CDU party, has called for a course correction within his own party. He emphasized the success of Angela Merkel’s centrist approach, noting that the current reputation of the coalition government is poor and the CDU should be performing better. Günther believes that many former CDU voters, who may have been drawn to the party under Merkel, are currently not being reached. He suggested that there are opportunities to attract dissatisfied Green party voters who may be willing to switch allegiances. Günther emphasized the importance of retaining all voters who were previously drawn to the CDU under Merkel’s leadership.
Günther also expressed his personal admiration for Angela Merkel, stating that she is missed in politics overall. He praised her methodical approach to problem-solving, noting her background as a scientist which allowed her to plan solutions in a structured manner. Günther believes that this type of approach is needed more in politics. The upcoming three-day CDU party conference will begin with elections for the presidency and federal board, including the anticipated re-election of party leader Friedrich Merz. On the agenda for Tuesday is the discussion and approval of the party’s new guiding principles.
The CDU party conference is set to address key leadership positions and party strategy, focusing on the need for a more effective and appealing approach to attract voters. Günther’s call for a course correction within the CDU reflects a recognition that changes are necessary to improve the party’s standing among the electorate. With the absence of Angela Merkel’s leadership, there is a sense of loss in her methodical and strategic problem-solving abilities. The party’s future direction will be shaped by decisions made at the upcoming conference, including the potential re-election of Friedrich Merz as party leader and the adoption of a new set of guiding principles.
As the CDU party conference unfolds, the discussions around leadership positions and party strategy will be closely watched. The call for a course correction within the party highlights the need for a more effective approach to appeal to voters who may have been lost since Angela Merkel’s tenure. Günther’s comments underscore the importance of retaining and attracting a broad spectrum of voters, including former CDU supporters and disenchanted Green party voters. The decisions made at the conference will shape the future direction of the CDU and set the stage for the party’s electoral prospects in the coming years.
