Restructuring in the CDU: New social policy direction under Merz and Linnemann

The CDU is making a significant shift in its social policy orientation, driven by the palpable shortage of labor and a more critical stance towards a comprehensive welfare state. Under the fresh leadership of Friedrich Merz and Carsten Linnemann, the party is consciously distancing itself from the welfare state concepts of the Merkel era and aims to address resonant issues to a broader electorate – with a special focus on votes traditionally anchored in the SPD as well. In this process, a discrepancy can be observed between the sometimes sharp tone of CDU rhetoric and the actual resolutions being planned. This apparently well-considered approach reflects the concern that fears of social decline represent a deep insecurity within the potential electorate of the Union, and beyond – a fact that must not be underestimated, especially in view of the upcoming election campaigns. Resorting to this issue could prove to be a strategically astute move, provided that the party succeeds in authentically addressing the population's concerns and credibly addressing them in a revised social policy program. The development of this new stance is likely to decisively shape the political discussion in Germany in the coming months.