Influence without ministerial roles: Lechner addresses criticism discreetly - Influence without a title: Lechner addresses criticism regarding his impact, not ministerial status
In the heart of Germany, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party in Lower Saxony continues to wield significant influence in the federal government, despite not holding any ministerial posts in the current administration.
Sebastian Lechner, the CDU faction and state leader in Lower Saxony, has refuted the impression of a loss of power, emphasizing that the party acts in the interest of a strong, united CDU. Lechner also refuted the idea of a conflict between Lower Saxony and the CDU federal party.
The strategic importance of Lower Saxony's harbors is sometimes underestimated at the federal political level, according to Lechner. He believes that these harbors require more support from Berlin, the German capital.
The CDU in Lower Saxony remains the largest party in the state, ahead of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), with around 51,000 members as of the end of last year. The party's influence extends beyond the state borders, as Lower Saxony provides three parliamentary state secretaries: Silvia Breher (Agriculture), Mareike Wulf (Education), and Gitta Connemann (Economy).
The CDU acts as a major parliamentary force within the CDU/CSU bloc and the federal parliament (Bundestag), influencing legislation and policy debates from within the coalition, especially under Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s leadership. This influence is evident in shaping Congress votes, coalition negotiations, and party platforms that impact federal policies across economic, foreign, and social domains.
CDU influence extends into the European Union (EU) through significant figures like Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the EU Commission, the highest office of the CDU in Germany. Although von der Leyen no longer directly represents Lower Saxony, her role as a key former CDU federal minister and now EU Commission President links German CDU priorities with EU-wide initiatives.
The CDU in Lower Saxony exerts influence in the federal government through its members' roles in parliament, political alliances, and strategic involvement in broader CDU/CSU policymaking. The party's strategic parliamentary position and coalition partnership allow it to indirectly affect federal governance, policy decisions, and Germany’s international stance, notably on issues like support for Ukraine.
The state group in Berlin from Lower Saxony is in close exchange with Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU). This exchange, combined with the party's parliamentary strength and coalition partnership, ensures that the CDU in Lower Saxony continues to wield influence, even in the absence of direct ministerial positions in the current federal cabinet. The state group from Lower Saxony is also exerting visible influence in Berlin, bringing their political weight to bear on issues important to the state.
- The CDU in Lower Saxony, despite not holding any ministerial posts, uses its strategic parliamentary position and coalition partnership to indirectly influence federal legislation, policy-and-legislation, and politics, especially under Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s leadership, promoting freedom of movement for workers and the free provision of services within EC countries as key priorities.
- The close exchange between the state group in Berlin from Lower Saxony and Chancellor Merz, coupled with the party's parliamentary strength, enables the CDU in Lower Saxony to exert significant influence in shaping German policy, politics, and general news, advocating for policies that uphold the freedom to provide services and foster unity within the European Union.
