The CDU showed great unity at its 38th federal party congress in Stuttgart, confirming Chancellor and party leader Friedrich Merz with 91.2 percent. Despite government challenges, the party avoided confrontations with coalition partner SPD. General Secretary Carsten Linnemann also received a strong result with 90.5 percent.
The CDU's 38th federal party congress took place in Stuttgart and was marked by unity, despite challenges in everyday government business. Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized in a statesmanlike speech the joint responsibility of the Union and SPD for reforms. "We have the common task of putting things in order," Merz said.
The delegates confirmed Merz with 91.2 percent as chairman in office. General Secretary Carsten Linnemann also achieved a strong result with 90.5 percent. It was the CDU's first party congress with Merz as chancellor, underscoring the will for confidence.
Ahead of the upcoming state elections in Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate, the delegates did not want to undermine the party leadership. Some expressed frustration over the government's record so far, but the party largely refrained from clear commitments that could confront coalition partner SPD – with few exceptions.
The Young Union (JU) expressed dissatisfaction most clearly in a motion titled "Reform Year 2026 – Courage for Decisions," calling for a course correction. Overall, the party congress strengthened the leadership for the upcoming reform negotiations with the SPD.
