Wiebke Winter, the chairwoman of the CDU parliamentary group in the Bremen state parliament, foresees a decisive victory for party leader Friedrich Merz ahead of the CDU federal convention. “I am sure it will be over 90 percent” she told the news magazine “Politico”. Winter praised Merz, saying he does “very good work” as chancellor and is strongly supporting Germany in foreign policy. “He is the right chancellor for Germany and also the right party chair for the CDU” she added. While she accepts that criticism inside the party is allowed, she is convinced that the convention will clearly confirm Merz.
In preparing her own bid for the CDU presidency, Winter highlighted a focus on generational fairness. She pointed to the coming years as pivotal, especially for pension reforms, and said: “So that we actually get the bold reforms we need for pensions”. At the same time, she affirmed her commitment to climate protection, noting she serves as deputy federal chair of the Climate Union-“that is both”.
When asked about potential coalitions, Winter remained open. “One could coalition with the Greens, the SPD or the FDP” she said, but stressed that a strong union must take priority. “I am not fighting for a coalition” she added.
Regarding Bremen, Winter demanded a change of government. After more than 75 years of SPD rule, she said the situation is “not good” and that the city finally needs “the CDU in town hall”. Whether she will run as the leading candidate herself will be decided in the coming weeks.