CDU holds leadership retreat in Berlin following state election losses
The Christian Democratic Union is convening for a leadership retreat in Berlin following three consecutive state election losses and federal polling figures dropping below 20 percent, reported on October 11, 2026. General Secretary Franziska Hoppermann stated that the gathering is not a quick fix but the start of a multi-level process to restore the party’s status as a broad-based people’s party.
CDU loses seats and support across several states
The party gathered roughly 25 senior members for an extended discussion following electoral setbacks that reshaped regional governments. On September 20, 2026, the CDU failed to secure seats in a state parliament for the first time in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. In Berlin, the Left party relegated the CDU from first place on the same night, initiating coalition talks with the Social Democratic Party and the Greens. Two weeks prior in Sachsen-Anhalt, the party shed nearly 20 percentage points.
Federal standing has deteriorated alongside regional losses. Seventeen months after the swearing-in of the federal coalition between the CDU/CSU and SPD, public polling places the Union below 20 percent. This contrasts with 28.5 percent at the early 2025 general election and peaks near 40 percent six years prior.
Strategic Debates over Policy and Coalitions
During the Berlin retreat, leaders evaluated the reform agenda covering pensions, care systems, and health policy. Hessian Minister President Boris Rhein emphasized addressing daily expenses, security, migration, and employment. Thuringian Minister President Mario Voigt called for concrete measures to lower living costs.
Discussions also addressed coalition stability. The SPD accused CDU lawmakers in Sachsen-Anhalt of voting for a parliamentary president from the Alternative for Germany party. Meanwhile, Wolfram Weimer, cultural state minister in the chancellery and a confidant of party leader Friedrich Merz, warned the SPD against pursuing a left-wing alliance in Berlin, terming it a vote of no confidence in the federal coalition.
Joachim Gauck rejects calls for Friedrich Merz to resign
Party leader and Chancellor Friedrich Merz faced questions regarding his future leadership role amidst the falling approval ratings. Former Federal President Joachim Gauck, attending the retreat as a guest, rejected calls for Merz to resign in comments given to Der Spiegel, arguing that a departure would inflict further damage on remaining voter trust.
Party officials plan to announce the outcomes of the leadership retreat during a press conference on Monday afternoon following further sessions with the executive board.