CDU conference tackles youth social media and fiscal rules

Will CDU Delegates Follow the Party Line? Party Conference Aims to Sharpen Policy Profile

As its national conference draws to a close, the CDU is set to refine its policy platform and vote on a series of resolutions covering diverse issues. But will delegates stick to the script?

From Germany's debt brake to cannabis policy and social media for minors, the CDU's federal conference in Stuttgart will today adopt positions on a range of substantive issues. Not all proposals stand a realistic chance of implementation, however—and some could strain relations with its coalition partner, the SPD. On the final day of the gathering, CSU leader Markus Söder will also make his traditional appearance at the sister party's event.

One of the most closely watched initiatives concerns social media use among young people. A motion from the CDU's Schleswig-Holstein branch calls for a minimum age of 16 for platforms like TikTok and Instagram, coupled with mandatory age verification. Initially, the proposal was recommended only for referral to the party's expert committees and its parliamentary group. But after CDU leader Friedrich Merz signaled support, passage now seems likely—though it remains unclear how specific the final resolution will be.

An overview of other key motions:

Smartphones in Schools The Women's Union and the CDU's Middle-Class and Economic Union are pushing for nationwide rules on mobile phones in schools. Their proposal demands "mandatory protected zones in all schools up to and including 10th grade, where the private use of digital devices during classes and breaks is prohibited." The party's pre-conference commission, which reviews all motions, has recommended approval.

Sick Notes A motion from the Middle-Class and Economic Union urges the CDU to advocate ending phone-based sick leave certificates, arguing that the easier it is to obtain a note, the more likely employees are to call in sick for minor ailments—the so-called "bedside decision." The commission backs the proposal, though the SPD has already made clear it opposes scrapping the current system.

Sugar Tax Schleswig-Holstein's CDU branch has tabled a motion aimed at promoting healthier diets, particularly for children and adolescents. It calls for a tax on high-sugar drinks like sodas, with tiered rates to incentivize reducing sugar content. The proposal also seeks a 16-year age limit for energy drinks. However, the commission recommends rejecting the motion.

Debt Brake The Young Union (JU) is pressing the conference to send a clear signal against further loosening of the constitutional debt brake. "Any 'modernization of the debt brake,' as mentioned in the coalition agreement, must not lead to its further erosion," the motion states. Delegates are recommended to adopt a slightly amended version. Recent coalition-backed exemptions for defense spending and infrastructure-related borrowing have already sparked discontent within the CDU.

2042 FIFA World Cup Bid A motion from the Rhein-Erft district association in North Rhine-Westphalia urges the CDU to support Germany's candidacy to host the 2042 FIFA World Cup. Titled "The World as Guests Among Friends 2.0"—a nod to the 2006 tournament slogan—the proposal argues that, given the number of bids from authoritarian regimes, Germany, as a democratic constitutional state, should take a stand to uphold values like fair play. The commission recommends adoption.

Military Service The Women's Union is calling for the CDU to push for the immediate expansion of the newly introduced voluntary military service model. Currently planned questionnaires, they argue, should be mandatory not only for men but also for women. The forms should also be revised: if someone indicates they do not wish to serve, they should be asked whether they would consider alternative roles, such as in social services. The commission recommends approval—but such a move could create friction with the coalition partner.

Age Discrimination

Senior Citizens' Union Calls for Age to Be Added to Anti-Discrimination Clause

The Senior Citizens' Union (Senioren-Union) is pushing for "age" to be included in the Basic Law article that prohibits discrimination—alongside protections already in place for gender and ancestry. The group argues that age-based discrimination is a real and pressing issue. While the proposal urges the CDU/CSU parliamentary group to launch an initiative, the party conference is recommended to reject the motion.

Cannabis

Following a proposal by the Women's Union (Frauen-Union), the CDU is being urged to step up pressure to reverse the legalization of cannabis for adults. The law, in effect since 2024, should be repealed, and cannabis use banned outright. The party conference is advised to adopt the motion. Nina Warken (CDU), the health minister and head of the Women's Union, has already identified a need for debate after initial assessments of the legalization's consequences. The SPD, however, opposes rolling back the law.

Part-Time Work

An original motion by the Mittelstands- und Wirtschaftsunion (Union of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and the Economy) titled "No Legal Entitlement to 'Lifestyle' Part-Time Work" had sparked backlash in advance. The party conference is now recommended to approve a revised version drafted by the motions committee, which emphasizes the need for a more "structured" right to part-time work. Combining part-time employment with social benefits should only be permitted in specific cases, such as childcare, eldercare, or further education.