CDU bans alcohol in exhibition areas at 2026 party conference
Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has set strict rules on alcohol for its upcoming federal party conference. The event, taking place in Stuttgart on February 20-21, 2026, will limit where drinks can be served. Party leader Friedrich Merz introduced the measure to keep delegates focused on policy discussions and debates. The conference officially begins on Friday, but meetings for the executive board, presidium, and state delegations start on Thursday afternoon. A press reception is planned for Thursday evening, where alcohol will be available.
During the main sessions, however, alcohol will not be served in the exhibition area. This decision follows a letter from CDU headquarters and an email from the 'Organization and Events Department'. The only exception is the Baden-Württemberg evening reception, where refreshments—including drinks—will be offered after the day’s sessions conclude.
Alongside the political discussions, major companies like Airbus, Amazon, and SAP will showcase their work in the exhibition space. Delegates will also vote on motions and decide whether Chancellor Merz remains party leader. The CDU’s new alcohol policy applies only to the exhibition area during conference hours. Delegates can still attend receptions where drinks are served. The move aims to ensure discussions stay on track as the party addresses key political issues.
Read also:
- American teenagers taking up farming roles previously filled by immigrants, a concept revisited from 1965's labor market shift.
- Weekly affairs in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Landslide claims seven lives, injures six individuals while they work to restore a water channel in the northern region of Pakistan
- Escalating conflict in Sudan has prompted the United Nations to announce a critical gender crisis, highlighting the disproportionate impact of the ongoing violence on women and girls.
