A growing rift within the German Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has surfaced, with Thuringia’s Minister-President, Mario Voigt, publicly urging Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz to significantly overhaul the government’s approach and deliver more tangible results. Voigt’s comments, published in Friday’s edition of “Welt” represent a clear signal of dissatisfaction within the party regarding the performance of the current black-red coalition government.
Voigt stressed the detrimental impact of ongoing internal disputes, arguing that “unity is a prerequisite for success”. He called for a demonstrably stronger alignment within the coalition for 2026, advocating for a reduction in public disagreements and a more coordinated approach to policy implementation. The CDU leader emphasized the need for greater transparency and realism in outlining achievable goals, asserting that “results are what count” within a governing body.
The CDU’s declining support in recent opinion polls, Voigt acknowledged, is directly attributable to the visible public friction and a growing sense of impatience among the electorate. He framed 2026 as a potential opportunity for substantial reforms, specifically pointing to the contentious issue of pension reform as a crucial area for action. Voigt reiterated his proposal to decouple the retirement age from a fixed age bracket, advocating instead for a system that prioritizes the number of years contributed. His vision aims to reward individuals who enter the workforce and engage in professional training early, offering them a reliable and beneficial pension after 45 years of contributions – a measure he argues is particularly vital for skilled workers, caregivers and artisans.
However, Voigt also cautioned against unrealistic expectations regarding the state’s role, warning that a “full-coverage” expectation of social welfare would ultimately place an unsustainable burden on the nation. He advocated for a balance, maintaining a robust social safety net for those in need while simultaneously reinforcing the principle of individual responsibility. This stance reflects a broader debate within the CDU, grappling with how to reconcile traditional social welfare commitments with concerns about fiscal sustainability and promoting personal accountability. Voigt’s intervention underscores the internal pressures within the CDU and signals a potential shift towards a more pragmatic and results-oriented strategy for the upcoming years.