"Wildberger Joins CDU's North Rhine-Westphalia Family" - New Federal Digital Minister Finds Political Comfort in NRW
CDU welcomes newly appointed Digital Minister to its ranks
The prominent businessman and Germany's new federal digital minister, Karsten Wildberger, has officially become a member of the CDU in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Europe's most populous state.
Until now, Wildberger, former CEO of Ceconomy Group and the Media-Saturn holding, had no political affiliations. His decision to join the CDU has been confirmed by the state association responsible for NRW.
"NRW has been my long-term home, and the CDU has been my political family for a considerable time, even though I hadn't been a member before," Wildberger shared his sentiment. "I'm thrilled to take this step, and besides my role as a federal minister under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, I'm eager to contribute to the CDU NRW team led by Premier Hendrik Wüst."
In an effort to strengthen the trust of citizens in government and state institutions, Wildberger expressed the Christian Democrats' mission to usher in a strong social market economy and a much-needed political shift, particularly in the digitalization and modernization of NRW.
Given the CDU's recent coalition agreement with the SPD, under Chancellor Merz's leadership, the party will focus on digitalization and modernization through various working groups and policy areas[1]. As a grand coalition organization consisting of CDU, CSU, and SPD, this is the fifth time these parties have formed a post-war German government [2].
As a crucial state for digitalization efforts, NRW will likely benefit from initiatives aimed at improving digital connectivity, supporting local businesses within the digital economy, and enhancing public services through digital means.[3] These improvements may align with Wildberger's objectives, which might include the development of digital infrastructure, digital literacy programs, and innovation support for tech startups and innovation hubs to foster economic growth in the region.
In brief, Wildberger's joining of the CDU and the ongoing coalition's focus on digitalization present opportunities for German decision-makers to pursue a more connected, digitally skilled, and innovative future.
Sources: ntv.de, chl/dpa
- CDU
- Karsten Wildberger
- North Rhine-Westphalia
- The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive regarding digitalization and modernization initiatives in North Rhine-Westphalia, given the CDU's commitment to this area.
- It's worth noting that Wildberger, as a new member of the CDU in North Rhine-Westphalia, has a strong business background in digital economy from his tenure as the CEO of Ceconomy Group and the Media-Saturn holding, which could bring valuable insights to the CDU's digitalization policies.
- In a WhatsApp message to his newly founded political family, Wildberger emphasized his enthusiasm for collaborating not only as the federal digital minister but also as a member of the CDU NRW board, especially under Premier Hendrik Wüst’s leadership.
- Wildberger's joining the CDU and the party's focus on digitalization in the coalition agreement with the SPD could potentially shape Westphalia's political landscape for years to come, as the state positions itself as a key player in digital transformation throughout Germany.
