A faction within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is facing internal backlash following the launch of “Compass Mitte” a group advocating for a more moderate and inclusive political course. Dennis Radtke, chairman of the CDA (Christian Democratic Employees’ Association), has publicly defended the initiative, expressing surprise at the intensity of the criticism it has engendered.
Radtke, while not a signatory to the “Compass Mitte” call, voiced his concerns to the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”, highlighting a perceived hypocrisy within the party. He pointedly noted that those who previously lamented a lack of open debate during Angela Merkel’s chancellorship now appear eager to dismiss any divergence from prevailing narratives as a personal attack on leadership.
The “Compass Mitte” group, spearheaded by figures like former CDU General Secretary Ruprecht Polenz, represents a direct challenge to the party’s increasingly conservative trajectory. Their core tenets include a warning against any coalition with the far-right AfD and a call for a renewed focus on centrist policies. This has triggered considerable internal dissent, with critics accusing the group of undermining party unity and fostering division.
Radtke’s intervention underscores a deeper fracture within the CDU, exposing anxieties surrounding the party’s ideological direction and its response to the shifting political landscape. His remarks suggest a growing frustration among some members who believe that genuine debate and the articulation of concerns are being stifled, effectively silencing voices advocating for a more pragmatic and broadly appealing CDU platform. The incident raises crucial questions about the party’s ability to foster open dialogue and navigate the complexities of modern German politics without alienating those who believe in a more inclusive and moderate course.