THE OTHER VIEW - Why the CDU is Now Cozying Up to the Greens

In contemporary German politics, there's a noticeable trend among politicians, particularly within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), to shy away from being labeled as conservative. This aversion often leads them to form coalitions with the Green Party, a strategy seen as a way to shed the image of being outdated or "right-wing."

This phenomenon is particularly evident in states like North Rhine-Westphalia, where CDU Minister-President Hendrik Wüst governs in coalition with the Greens. This "black-green" or "green-black" alliance has become a favored political model for the "juste milieu" – a segment of society encompassing reputable media, cultural institutions, churches, and trade unions. Such coalitions are perceived as facing less criticism than conservative parties operating without the "green antibodies."

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The Greens act like a vaccination for the Christian Democrats: they immunize the once conservative party against the accusation – well – of being conservative, somehow yesterday, reactionary or even, God forbid, "right-wing."

Meanwhile, Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the CDU is experiencing a significant dip in public approval. Recent polls indicate that 84 percent of Germans are dissatisfied with his performance, with only 14 percent expressing satisfaction. This has fueled speculation in Berlin media about a potential change in leadership during the current legislative period, with Wüst emerging as a favored candidate to replace Merz.

The article suggests that Wüst's appeal lies partly in his ability to work with the Greens, a capability that Merz seemingly lacks. The political landscape has shifted such that the very definition of "conservative" has evolved, placing those who wish to preserve existing structures under a constant need to justify their positions.

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the definition of "conservative" has shifted so much in recent years that "whoever wants to preserve something is put under pressure to justify themselves."