Karl-Josef Laumann, the Deputy Leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has expressed concerns over radical rhetoric within the party. In an interview with Ippen-Media, Laumann addressed the demand by CDU Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz to strip dual citizens of their German citizenship if they are convicted of serious crimes. Laumann emphasized, “During our retreat in Berlin, we clarified once more that we are talking about people who have committed serious crimes.”
He believes that those who have committed such crimes should face clear consequences. “However, we must be careful not to make people with a migration background feel like they are Germans on probation. I would find that very bad. Our rhetoric must be such that we do not let such fears arise.”
Regarding the criticism that the rhetoric of some CDU politicians resembles that of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), Laumann said, “Well, I think the CDU’s rhetoric is more differentiated. Because one thing is clear: it has never been good to follow someone’s rhetoric. In the end, people will choose the original, not the cheap copy.