The CDU's economic wing has rallied behind Economics Minister Katherina Reiche after her public clash with SPD Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil over energy policy. Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed dismay at the exchange. A resignation demand from the party's social wing was quickly retracted.
Economics Minister Katherina Reiche took a confrontational stance on Friday against Vice-Chancellor and SPD Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil in the coalition dispute over high fuel prices and energy policy. "The coalition partner has recently been known for submitting proposals that are expensive, ineffective, and constitutionally questionable," she said.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz was, according to sources close to him, "befremdet"—perturbed—by the public exchange and urged Reiche to show restraint. He had tasked Klingbeil and Reiche with developing a joint proposal to address high energy prices. The government plans a retreat to align the black-red coalition.
Christian von Stetten, chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group's Mittelstand circle, backed Reiche: "The minister is entirely right on the merits and receives strong support from the parliamentary group." Johannes Winkel of the Junge Union praised her as "the voice of the social market economy."
Christian Bäumler from the CDU's social wing initially demanded Reiche's dismissal but retracted it. CDA leader Dennis Radtke emphasized the need for debates, not personnel discussions.
