CDU's Secretary General finds the current climate more dismal than anticipated
In a letter addressed to all party members, CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann has offered a mixed assessment of the first months of the black-red coalition (CDU/SPD) in Germany. The coalition, according to Linnemann, has been marked by internal disputes rather than cooperative progress, with the mood within the partnership described as tense and troubled [2].
This assessment comes amid ongoing efforts to address key policy issues and improve the coalition’s communication and coherence. Linnemann met with Union ministers and coalition leaders to discuss both substantive policy topics and the communication strategies of the coalition with the SPD. His comments indicated that the coalition, contrary to initial promises, has been “strongly shaped by disputes” recently, reflecting friction within the partnership [2].
One of the most contentious areas has been migration and security policies. CDU leader Friedrich Merz’s migration policy initiatives have caused significant controversy, including accusations of cooperating with the far-right AfD party, which the CDU officially rejects [1]. These disputes contribute to the overall atmosphere of political uncertainty and disagreement within the coalition, impacting public perception and governance effectiveness.
However, Linnemann commends the actions of Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt in immigration policy, describing him as taking action and doing what is necessary [1]. Furthermore, Linnemann praises the foreign policy of Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, stating that Germany, under his leadership, has been brought back onto the European and international stage.
Linnemann also calls for increased speed in governing, advocating for a 'just do it' mentality across Germany. He warns that frustration over mistakes made should not paralyze the party, emphasizing the need for progress and productive dialogue.
In a positive note, Linnemann mentions the first tax office in Hesse, which handles tax returns for citizens, as a positive example of efficient and effective governance. This office, he suggests, could serve as a model for other regions in the country.
The source of this information is ntv.de and dpa. The letter, first reported by Bild, is also available to Deutsche Presse-Agentur. Linnemann states that the current mood in the country is not as good as they would have liked, but he remains optimistic about the future of the black-red coalition and Germany as a whole.
- The mixed assessment of the black-red coalition from CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann has highlighted the importance of reviewing and revising both community policy and employment policy, given the internal disputes and troubled mood within the partnership.
- As part of policy-and-legislation discussions, Linnemann has expressed concern over the impact of politics on general news, particularly in relation to contentious areas such as migration and security policies, where the coalition's communication strategies have faced significant challenges.
