The CDU began its two‑day federal party congress in Stuttgart on Friday morning. Chief of the party and Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, opened the meeting by saying that the next two days would be devoted to debate and to making “landmark decisions” for the party.
Merz described the situation in Germany as one of “big tasks” amid “deep‑going changes”. He noted that the world is reorganising, Europe faces pressure, and Germany is being called upon more than ever. His government will focus on securing economic strength, protecting the country, strengthening defence, and keeping the social state sustainable. “We want to enable innovation. We want to bring our society together again” he added, stressing the CDU’s responsibility in this context.
The congress’s main event is the election of the party board, scheduled to start after 3 p.m. on Friday. The outcome of Friedrich Merz’s re‑election as party chair will be closely watched; a vote share well below 90 percent would be seen as a setback. Before the vote, Merz will deliver a longer speech to the delegates, aiming to send a signal of renewal to his own party while avoiding offence to coalition partner the SPD.
The agenda for the discussion sessions will commence on Friday evening around 8 p.m., beginning with the steering resolution titled “For a New Boom in the Housing Market”. Throughout Friday and Saturday, delegates will consider a series of proposals, including measures such as a potential social‑media ban for young people, a moratorium on bureaucracy, and further social reforms.
Saturday will feature additional speeches by Union faction leader Jens Spahn and CSU chief Markus Söder. The party congress is set to conclude at 3 p.m. on Saturday.