Merz calls for CDU debate on a new political narrative after regional elections

Friedrich Merz wants Germany’s governing Christian Democratic Union to find a new political narrative after September’s state elections, acknowledging that practical policymaking alone has not been enough to halt the party’s decline in the polls.

Speaking at a campaign event in Langenhagen near Hanover, the chancellor called for a debate on an overarching idea that could give direction to the CDU’s work. “What actually defines us? What is the goal beyond pragmatic day-to-day politics? Where do we want to go?” he asked.

“

What actually defines us? What is the goal beyond pragmatic day-to-day politics? Where do we want to go?

Merz was also self-critical. “I admit that, in view of the poll results and the election results we have to fear, what we have done so far has not been enough,” he said. He maintained that the CDU was right on its main policy issues, including domestic security, foreign security, economic policy and social policy. But, he argued, the party lacked an overarching story.

“

I admit that, in view of the poll results and the election results we have to fear, what we have done so far has not been enough.

As a model, Merz cited Ludwig Erhard’s 1957 book “Prosperity for All.” Erhard, then economics minister and later chancellor, used the phrase to define the political and economic mood of the 1950s, Merz said. Germany now needs a comparable idea, he argued.

Merz suggested extending Erhard’s slogan by one word: “Prosperity for all generations.” He said the goal should be to give the next and subsequent generations the chance to live in freedom, peace and prosperity, with a high degree of social justice.

“

Prosperity for all generations.