Dennis Radtke, the chairman of the CDU’s Social Wing, warned Jens Spahn, the leader of the CDU parliamentary group, against the portrayal of Germany’s decline by the AfD. Radtke labeled Spahn’s remarks, made on the show “Caren Miosga” where Spahn allegedly suggested that the current black-red coalition was essentially managing a decline, as “fatal”. Speaking to “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” on Wednesday, Radtke stated that the public is looking for solutions, guidance, and direction, adding that the AfD profits from a sense of doomsday fervor. He stressed that this narrative should not be adopted but should be countered with a Christian democratic vision for the future. Radtke further suggested that talk of decline also does not fit a proactive figure like Spahn.
According to the CDA chairman, the reasons behind the Union’s poor poll ratings are quite complex. He mentioned that many people mistakenly believe that simply controlling migration and the citizen benefit scheme (Bürgergeld) would be enough to push the AfD back. However, Radtke pointed out that migration has become more of a scapegoat for everything that is currently perceived as failing in Germany. Furthermore, he noted that the Union has failed to keep promises made during the election campaign.
Regarding remarks by CSU leader Markus Söder, who called for the reform of dismissal protection in Germany, Radtke asserted that Söder is engaging in a “phantom debate”. The CDA chairman explained that during discussions with business owners, he did not get the impression that dismissal protection was a major concern for them; instead, issues like energy costs, secure supply chains, skilled worker shortages, and bureaucracy were higher priorities. Radtke concluded by stating, “In the past, the guiding principle in the Union was being wonderfully sheltered by strong forces. Today, I sometimes have the feeling from certain proposals and debates that we have been abandoned by all favorable spirits”.