Revamped CDU Chief of Staff Advocates for Expanding Party Discussions Beyond Immigration Controversies
Dennis Radtke, set to replace Karl-Josef Laumann in the CDU's workers' representation, urges caution against overemphasizing migration concerns. Speaking with the Süddeutsche Zeitung, Radtke expressed his belief that the CDU should not limit itself to migration discussions. He acknowledges that workers' support for the AfD in past elections is driven by more than just immigration concerns. "I find the notion that immigration is the primary cause of all issues and sole reason behind the AfD's success overly simplistic, particularly amongst the industrial workforce," Radtke stated.
According to Radtke, the CDU needs to present genuine solutions for workers, rather than transforming into a pure workers' party. To achieve this, leadership should be expanded to encompass a broader range of concerns. "Our losses in the last federal election were due to flaws in our social policy," he remarked. Discussions on migration and deportation should not be framed in a manner that benefits the AfD, Radtke advised.
No "adopted son" title from Merz
Set to be elected as the new CDU's workers' wing leader on Saturday in Weimar, replacing the long-serving chairman Karl-Josef Laumann, Radtke clarified his relationship with party leader Friedrich Merz. "I'm running for the CDU chairmanship this Saturday – not as Frederick Merz's prospective son-in-law," he stated. He emphasized that his cooperation with Merz is entirely professional and dismissed any characterization of him as Merz's opponent or adversary.
Radtke opposed calls to raise the retirement age, arguing against initiating a fresh debate on the matter. "I don't think it's sensible to reignite the retirement age debate right now. There's no benefit in this debate surrounding a retirement age of 70. Some people might choose to work until they're 70, but for others, it's untenable," Radtke shared. Born and raised in Bochum-Wattenscheid and formerly serving as a trade union secretary, he expressed his thoughts in an interview with the newspaper.
Radtke's appointment as the new CDU's workers' wing leader comes despite his stance being contrasted with the AfD's position on migration. He highlighted that the AfD's popularity among workers is not solely based on immigration concerns.
In the context of the CDU's election, Radtke distanced himself from being perceived as Merz's "adopted son," maintaining a professional relationship with the party leader.
