The CDU's Social Faction views Merz as not being the solution to the K-Question.
In the talk about the upcoming Union's Chancellor candidate, the assigned chairperson of the CDU's Social Wing, Dennis Radtke, points out that it doesn't guarantee party leader Friedrich Merz the position. One should find the most suitable individual who can unite the most individuals within CDU and CSU. "This isn't a power struggle, but a requirement to replace Mr. Scholz," Radtke stated to the Funke media group.
The 45-year-old MEP from Bochum, set to be chosen as the new federal chairman of the Christian Democratic Workers' Association (CDA) this Saturday in Weimar, also acknowledges CSU leader Markus Söder and North Rhine-Westphalian Minister President Hendrik Wüst as competitors. In Radtke's view, a CDU chairman holds a distinct advantage and always aims for the Federal Chancellorship position. A CSU chairman holding the same objective is just as plausible. "It's just as evident that the Minister President of the most populous federal state, NRW, with significant nationwide approval ratings, also possesses the necessary qualities," he added.
Radtke highlights the responsibility of Merz and Söder to setup a process, ensuring both parties support the Union's Chancellor candidate wholeheartedly and passionately. If the Union repeats its internal drama from 2021, it will reflect in the poor result of the latest federal election - "regardless of how terrifying the traffic light show is," he warned. Merz and Söder are expected to answer the K-question after the state election in Brandenburg on September 22.
Criticism of the incompatibility decision
In addressing the Alliance for Progress and Social Justice (BSW), Radtke, the assigned Social Wing chairman, calls for an overall revision of the CDU's incompatibility decision. Though the complete rejection of cooperation with the AfD remains non-negotiable, the significance of the Left party outside of Thuringia remains a topic of discussion. "The incompatibility decision at present prevents us from engaging with left-wing Minister President Bodo Ramelow, who is essentially a former West German trade union functionary. Conversely, we are expected to form a government with Mrs. Wagenknecht and her questionably funded, Stalinist cadre party. Such a scenario doesn't make sense to anyone and should be openly debated at the next CDU federal party congress," demanded Radtke.
The European Parliament will likely be involved in the discussion and approval of the Union's Chancellor candidate, given the significant role of the chairpersons of major political parties. Radtke emphasizes the need for Merz and Söder to establish a unified stance on the Chancellor candidate, as any internal disputes could negatively impact the Union's performance in future elections.
