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Cdu

All articles tagged with #cdu

politics4 months ago

Far-Right Gains in German State Elections Signal Political Shift

In North Rhine-Westphalia, the CDU is projected to win the local elections, with the AfD making significant gains, reflecting shifting political dynamics in Germany. The Green Party suffered heavy losses, and the SPD remains disappointed with its performance. The election results are seen as a potential indicator of national political trends, with concerns over the rise of the far-right and implications for the governing coalition.

politics4 months ago

Far-Right Gains in North Rhine-Westphalia Election

In North Rhine-Westphalia, the CDU is set to win the local elections, while the far-right AfD is gaining significant ground, reflecting broader political shifts and testing Merz’s government. The elections also saw a tragic incident where an elderly man died at a polling station. The results are seen as a barometer for national politics, especially concerning immigration and security issues.

politics1 year ago

Germany's Political Turmoil: The Race for Chancellor

Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is poised for a potential comeback as Germany's next chancellor, following a decade-long absence from politics. With the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition, snap elections are set for February. Merz, known for his straightforward rhetoric, faces criticism for controversial remarks but remains a strong contender despite lower personal approval ratings compared to his party. His corporate background and wealth are seen as potential drawbacks, yet his determination and ambition are likened to former chancellor Gerhard Schröder.

politics1 year ago

Germany to Hold Snap Elections in February After Government Collapse

Germany's major political parties have agreed to hold a federal election on February 23, 2025, following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition government. Scholz plans to hold a vote of confidence on December 16. The CDU, led by Friedrich Merz, is currently leading in polls and may form the next government, potentially in coalition with the SPD or Greens. The political uncertainty comes amid global tensions, including U.S. policy shifts under Donald Trump and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

politics1 year ago

Germany Faces Political Turmoil Amid Coalition Collapse and Economic Woes

Germany's traffic light coalition has collapsed, prompting potential snap elections. Chancellor Olaf Scholz aims to delay a confidence vote until January, while opposition leader Friedrich Merz pushes for immediate elections. The situation raises concerns across Europe, with implications for Germany's economic and political stability. The CDU may form a new coalition, possibly leading to a shift to the right. The political uncertainty in Germany, a key EU player, could impact European stability and governance.

politics1 year ago

"Partial Rerun: Berlin's 2021 German Federal Election"

Berlin held a partial rerun of the 2021 German federal election due to mishaps in the original vote, resulting in slight gains for the CDU and AfD, and modest losses for the ruling coalition parties. The overall pecking order of major parties remained unchanged, with the SPD leading. The rerun, affecting around a fifth of Berlin constituencies, will not alter Chancellor Olaf Scholz's center-left coalition, but could impact the makeup of the Bundestag. The rerun served as a litmus test for the governing coalition's popularity, with concerns raised about the timing and logistical challenges of the rerun.

politics2 years ago

German Voters Shift Right in State Elections, Sending Ominous Message to Brussels

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's center-left coalition suffered a significant defeat in local elections, with the conservative CDU and far-right AfD making gains. This outcome could hinder crucial reforms both in Germany and at the European Union level, as internal divisions within the coalition have already led to compromises on climate transition measures. A weakened German government may struggle to rally other EU member states around compromise proposals, potentially stalling important discussions on energy price reform and rewriting fiscal rules.

politics2 years ago

German Conservatives Face Backlash for Aligning with Far-Right AfD

The center-right Christian Democrats (CDU) in the eastern German state of Thuringia are facing criticism for joining forces with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the neoliberal Free Democrats (FDP) to pass new tax legislation. Rival parties accused the CDU of crossing a line by working with the AfD, which is being investigated for extremist tendencies. The CDU's actions have been condemned by other parties, who accuse them of breaking taboos and making a pact with the far-right. CDU leader Friedrich Merz defended his colleagues, stating that the party's "firewall" against the far-right would be maintained.

politics2 years ago

German Centre-Right Leader Considers Collaboration with Far-Right AfD at Local Level

The leader of Germany's centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Friedrich Merz, has stated that his party is open to cooperating with the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) at a local political level, sparking backlash from within the CDU and raising concerns about the firewall between conservatives and the far right. While Merz ruled out a national coalition with the AfD, he argued that democratic votes should be respected at the local level. The AfD has recently gained ground, winning district council and mayoral posts, and polls show them at 20-22% of the vote. Merz's comments have been criticized by CDU members, with the mayor of Berlin stating that the CDU cannot work with a party based on hatred and division.

politics2 years ago

The Ineffectiveness of Copying the Far-Right in Europe

Mainstream conservative parties in Germany, such as the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its regional ally the Christian Socialist Union (CSU), have been attempting to adopt far-right rhetoric and policies in an effort to win back support from the far-right populist Alternative for Germany Party (AfD). However, this strategy has proven ineffective, as the AfD has doubled its support and is now polling at 20% nationwide. Similar trends have been observed across Europe, where mainstream parties adopting hardline anti-immigration stances have failed to halt the rise of far-right parties. Experts argue that paying lip service to far-right positions is not enough, and mainstream parties should focus on engaging with voters directly and offering good policies rather than copying the far-right.

politics2 years ago

The AfD's Surprising Success: From Local Elections to Mayoral Office

The rise of Germany's right-wing party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), can be attributed to the leftward shift of the CDU's Christian conservatives under Angela Merkel, leaving a void for voters seeking a conservative alternative. While the current coalition government dismisses the AfD as a "populist bad-mood party," a significant portion of the electorate is dissatisfied with the established parties and sees the AfD as a voice of protest. The decline of traditional parties' support base has contributed to the AfD's rise, and although it may not have majority support, it holds real political power in a fragmented political landscape.