Concerns are mounting within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) regarding recent polling data and perceived missteps in policy prioritization. Dennis Radtke, the CDU’s representative for labor affairs, has publicly criticized the party’s performance and urged a significant shift in focus.
Speaking to “Focus” magazine, Radtke described the latest survey results as “dramatic” and cautioned against complacency based on a perceived improvement in asylum seeker numbers. He emphasized that migration is not the sole factor in addressing the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has recently seen its support base strengthen.
Radtke strongly advocated for prioritizing the severe housing shortage currently impacting Germany and delivering relief for working-class families. He stated that the issue of affordable housing and the challenges faced by the hard-working middle class “must finally be elevated to the top of the political agenda.
Beyond policy, Radtke also expressed reservations about the current composition of CDU personnel and communication strategies. He argued that the party is not adequately representing the breadth of its voter base and needs to improve both internal and external communication. The current debate surrounding electricity taxes and judicial elections, he suggested, is creating a “cacophony” that is obscuring potentially positive decisions in economic policy.
Recent polling data from Forsa indicates a tightening of the political landscape, with the AfD achieving a level of support that places it on par with the CDU, with both parties currently polling at 25 percent. This result is generating considerable debate and prompting calls for introspection and adaptation within the CDU.