CDU party members experience a drop in March for the first time
The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Germany, once the party with the most members, has been experiencing a net loss in membership over the past year.
According to recent reports, the CDU had 364,752 members in March of this year, a figure that has seen a decline since then. The party lost 140 members in March alone, as reported by Der Spiegel, citing party figures.
This trend reversal in the CDU's membership numbers can be attributed to several factors, primarily declining public support linked to leadership challenges, party decisions, and political circumstances.
Under the leadership of Friedrich Merz, who took over in 2022, the CDU/CSU has seen a decrease in public approval and election results compared to previous decades. A notable drop in satisfaction ratings was observed, with approval ratings falling from 43% in June 2024 to just 29% by mid-2025. This decline reflects public dissatisfaction with Merz's policies and party direction, weakening internal support.
The CDU's positioning and policies, such as supporting Ukraine and navigating economic challenges, have been overshadowed by external crises like Russia's war on Ukraine and a recession, which have eroded confidence in the party’s management.
The collapse of the incumbent governing coalition in 2024 and the resulting snap election in early 2025 indicate internal instability within the CDU's broader political alliances, which likely discourages membership growth and engagement.
Moreover, the rise of competing parties, especially the far-right AfD, has siphoned off both voters and potential party members dissatisfied with the CDU’s current direction.
In summary, the net loss in CDU membership is connected to the party’s leadership under Merz, strategic decisions, internal coalition difficulties, and the broader political environment, which together have eroded voter and member confidence. The CDU, despite the net loss, was still 550 members above the December level in March, suggesting a glimmer of hope for recovery.
In the context of the declining CDU membership, the general-news outlet, Der Spiegel, reported that the party lost 140 members in March alone, highlighting a trend in politics that has been influenced by factors such as leadership challenges, party decisions, and political circumstances. As a result, the CDU/CSU has faced a decrease in public approval and election results, with approval ratings falling significantly under the leadership of Friedrich Merz, who took over in 2022.
