The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is embarking on a strategy to broaden its policy development and strengthen its role as a source of fresh ideas. Following a series of internal meetings in Berlin, CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann announced the reinstatement and bolstering of the party’s federal specialist committees, previously paused during the foundational program review process.
These committees, numbering 13 or 14, are intended to function as expert advisory bodies and idea generators, contributing to the CDU’s ongoing programmatic evolution. Linnemann emphasized a desire to move beyond a perception of the party as merely an extension of the Chancellery, asserting the need for proactive policy innovation. He articulated a vision of the Adenauer House – the CDU’s headquarters – becoming not simply a modern political organization, but a “think tank” overflowing with new ideas.
Alongside the revived specialist committees, the CDU is also planning to establish several networks focused on engaging in the ‘pre-political’ sphere and cultivating broader support. These networks will draw on external expertise to address key societal challenges. Notably, author Ahmad Mansour will lead a network on integration and opportunities, former Member of Parliament and double Olympic gold medalist Jens Lehmann will spearhead the sports network and Hendrik Streeck will focus on the science network. The initiative signals a concerted effort to expand the CDU’s intellectual and practical reach beyond traditional political channels.