(de-news.net) – Following the re-election of party leader and Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday, who secured 91.2 percent of the vote—an increase from the 89.8 percent he had received in 2024—the CDU convened its federal conference in Stuttgart on Saturday, focusing primarily on deliberations over a broad spectrum of policy issues. The gathering provided an occasion not only to reaffirm party leadership but also to consolidate positions on pressing economic, social, and digital-policy questions, signaling a renewed agenda heading into forthcoming state elections.

At the conference, CSU leader Markus Söder offered significant praise for Merz’s foreign-policy approach, framing the chancellor as a central asset to Germany’s diplomatic orientation. He suggested that Merz’s leadership injected Europe with both renewed strength and a sense of optimism, portraying him as an essential figure in navigating international uncertainties. Söder further highlighted the Chancellor’s capacity to guide Germany during times of geopolitical and domestic instability, emphasizing the need for a reliable “compass” in a rapidly shifting global environment. Simultaneously, he advocated for a more assertive representation of both German and European interests, critiquing the foreign policy of the preceding government under the so-called traffic-light coalition, which he characterized as excessively moralistic. Söder expressed pronounced skepticism toward the political left, describing it as anti-American and highlighting what he perceived as contradictions regarding U.S. tariffs, particularly given past opposition to the TTIP trade agreement. Beyond foreign policy, he underscored the importance of the strong collaboration and institutional cohesion between the CSU and its sister party, framing this partnership as a cornerstone for political stability. In the context of the upcoming state elections in Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate in March, Söder called for a decisive political “new start,” insisting that the existing coalition configurations be overturned to restore what he described as a more appropriate alignment of governance.

Higher income tax threshold, minimum age of 14 for social media, and health matters

On fiscal matters, the CDU proposed raising the annual threshold for the top income tax rate from the current 68,000 to 80,000 euros, arguing that high earners warranted formal acknowledgment and fiscal respect. The proposal had previously received endorsement from party secretary Carsten Linnemann, while reactions among coalition partners and opposition parties were mixed: the SPD approached the plan cautiously, and both the Greens and the Left expressed strong criticism. The proposal exists alongside broader commitments in the Union-SPD coalition agreement to provide relief for lower- and middle-income households. Within this framework, Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) is expected to present concrete recommendations by midyear. Delegates additionally opposed SPD initiatives to extend social-security contributions to capital and rental income and voted in favor of increasing parental allowances, reflecting the party’s continued emphasis on policies aimed at incentivizing work and supporting families.

In the realm of digital policy and youth protection, the CDU formally endorsed a minimum age of 14 for the use of social media platforms, including Instagram and TikTok, framing this measure as a critical component of safeguarding children and adolescents in increasingly complex digital environments. Federal Family Minister Karin Prien advocated for legally mandated age restrictions as well as additional protections for individuals under 16, arguing that economic pressures from the United States should not hinder domestic regulatory action. She drew attention to Australia’s success in asserting regulatory authority despite U.S. opposition, suggesting that the European Union could achieve comparable regulatory outcomes. The party also rejected claims that it pursued a “ban-oriented” agenda, emphasizing that its stance aligned with the SPD’s support for a 14-year minimum age. This approach was presented as part of a broader strategy to address risks associated with digital platforms designed to capture attention, stimulate emotional responses, and influence behavior.

Delegates further decided unanimously to discontinue telephone-based sick notes, citing persistently high absenteeism rates despite prior coalition agreements with the SPD to reform the system in order to reduce potential misuse. In contrast, a proposed sugar tax was rejected, with delegates prioritizing educational approaches over regulatory prohibition, despite acknowledged health concerns related to excessive sugar consumption. Nevertheless, Schleswig-Holstein Minister-President Daniel Günther (CDU) regarded such a tax as politically warranted. The rejected proposal included both a consumption tax on beverages with high sugar content and a minimum age for the purchase of energy drinks, reflecting ongoing debates about public health, regulatory intervention, and individual responsibility.