Efforts by the CDU party leadership to increase its presence in the rural regions of Eastern Germany and counter the growing strength of the AfD are reportedly facing difficulties.
According to “Der Spiegel”, a structural consultant, appointed as part of the CDU’s “White Spot Program” in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, has left his post just weeks after commencing work. A CDU spokesperson confirmed that the employment relationship had been dissolved and that the individual was no longer with the party. She declined to provide any reasons for the departure, citing personal rights.
CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann had announced the program following a party executive council meeting last autumn. Its stated goal is to stabilize and redevelop structures in these areas. Initially, the party focused on “model regions” such as Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Saxony-Anhalt. Both states are scheduled for new state elections in September, and polls show the AfD significantly exceeding 30 percent support in both regions.
Linnemann had originally set January 1st as the start date. In reality, two structural consultants began their roles at CDU offices in Schwerin and Magdeburg in early March. While the consultant for Saxony-Anhalt remains in the training phase, the consultant in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern ended their employment during the probationary period. The CDU stated that the position will be refilled.