I’m not German and don’t have any special insight into German politics, but until someone that knows better comes along I can at least offer that it’s Angela Merkel’s old party. Unless something has shifted drastically, it’s the Germany we’ve known for most of the past twenty years
Something has shifted quite dramatically. Under Merz, the C*U has shifted to the right, almost copying the extreme right AfD’s program in certain points, became very populist. A standstill like during the Merkel years could be a best case scenario atm.
No, the CDU didn’t shift, they put someone from a different wing in the top position. I guess the long and short of it that neither Günther or Wüst were interested in a show-off with Merz who had bees up his arse ever after Merkel quit, given that she previously ousted him from the candidacy position. They’re both perfectly comfortable ruling their respective states, why bother, if Merz goes too far for their liking they’re still in a position to but brakes on that.
Yes, they did shift. Their program is far more right-wing than a few years ago, the rhetorics, their propositions, are far closer to the AfD than even under Laschet.
True, but Merz is far More right than Merkel was, especially, when speaking of women and immigrants.
Also Merkel got a lot more percent oft the public vote (that counts here - wie do not habe the winner takes it all). Merz got the second worst result of his Party in history and will need to make a coalition with maybe even 2 other parties.
Merz re-iterating the “no AfD coalition” statement has reassured me somewhat. If they need two other parties that’s probably even better, because it doesn’t seem like any of the other major players would tolerate being in an AfD coalition
I’m not German and don’t have any special insight into German politics, but until someone that knows better comes along I can at least offer that it’s Angela Merkel’s old party. Unless something has shifted drastically, it’s the Germany we’ve known for most of the past twenty years
Something has shifted quite dramatically. Under Merz, the C*U has shifted to the right, almost copying the extreme right AfD’s program in certain points, became very populist. A standstill like during the Merkel years could be a best case scenario atm.
No, the CDU didn’t shift, they put someone from a different wing in the top position. I guess the long and short of it that neither Günther or Wüst were interested in a show-off with Merz who had bees up his arse ever after Merkel quit, given that she previously ousted him from the candidacy position. They’re both perfectly comfortable ruling their respective states, why bother, if Merz goes too far for their liking they’re still in a position to but brakes on that.
Like, the CDU polls at around 40% in SH state elections, while the federal result is 27.6%. Everyone knows the CDU left wing has more pull than the right, they’re letting Merz be Merz.
Yes, they did shift. Their program is far more right-wing than a few years ago, the rhetorics, their propositions, are far closer to the AfD than even under Laschet.
I’m sure they’re just “letting” the right wing take control as the world descends into fascism and “centrists” ally with fascists all over.
True, but Merz is far More right than Merkel was, especially, when speaking of women and immigrants.
Also Merkel got a lot more percent oft the public vote (that counts here - wie do not habe the winner takes it all). Merz got the second worst result of his Party in history and will need to make a coalition with maybe even 2 other parties.
Merz re-iterating the “no AfD coalition” statement has reassured me somewhat. If they need two other parties that’s probably even better, because it doesn’t seem like any of the other major players would tolerate being in an AfD coalition
He can ban the fucking Nazis for being Nazis if he wants to reassure people.