Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Election: CDU's Fish Roll Campaign Sparks Fierce Debate

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party in Germany's northeastern state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has launched a provocative campaign for the upcoming state election on September 20, centering its message on a fish roll sandwich. The party's posters feature the slogan "Die Mitte ist das Beste" (The middle is best), accompanied by an image of the popular coastal snack, a decision that has polarized political opponents and the public.

Political rivals have been quick to criticize the campaign. Lilly Blaudszun of the state's Social Democratic Party (SPD) derided the CDU, suggesting the chosen fish roll image was not even from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, but a stock photo purchased online. CDU candidate Daniel Peters countered on X (formerly Twitter), explaining that a neutral image was chosen to avoid regional disputes, noting that a specific local fish roll could have offended other areas. He also corrected the price of the photo, stating it cost 73 euros, not 19.

Beyond the immediate political sparring, the campaign has ignited broader discussions. Thomas Kemmerich, a former FDP politician from Thuringia, viewed the fish roll as a symbol of "content emptiness and a lack of seriousness." Thore Stein, a CDU state parliament member, questioned the political message, asking what it means when the "last political content is self-definition in 'the middle' and a piece of fish in a bun serves as a comparison." However, the campaign has also garnered praise, with some users on the CDU's Instagram channel commending the poster as "cool." They see the fish roll as representing the coast, traditions, and the hard work of the region's people.

Currently trailing significantly in the polls, with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) leading at 36 percent and the SPD at 29 percent, the CDU is at a low of nine percent. The party hopes its fish roll campaign, promoting the idea that "the middle is best" in both food and politics, will help it regain traction.