CDU's national conference to debate divisive policies on social media, taxes and cannabis
The CDU is preparing for its national party conference, where delegates will vote on a range of policy motions. Proposals cover everything from social media age limits to tax reforms and military service. Several party branches and affiliated groups have put forward competing recommendations.
The preliminary committee has already weighed in, advising delegates on which motions to support or reject. One of the most debated proposals comes from Schleswig-Holstein’s state CDU branch. It calls for a legal minimum age of 16 for social media use. The same branch also put forward a tax on high-sugar drinks, though the party’s preliminary committee has recommended rejecting this idea.
The Women’s Union and the Mittelstand and Economic Union (MIT) have jointly pushed for nationwide rules on mobile phone use in schools. Meanwhile, the MIT’s own revised motion stresses the need for clearer rights around structured part-time work. Another MIT proposal seeks to end sick notes issued over the phone, a change the party leadership supports.
On health policy, the party’s preliminary committee backs the legalisation of cannabis for adults. However, the Women’s Union opposes this move and wants the decision reversed. The Senior Citizens’ Union, on the other hand, is focused on anti-discrimination protections. It demands that ‘age’ be explicitly added to the Basic Law’s anti-discrimination article.
Defence policy is also on the agenda. The Women’s Union wants the voluntary military service model expanded without delay. Meanwhile, the Young Union is taking a firm stance on fiscal policy, urging the party to block any further relaxation of Germany’s debt brake. Elsewhere, the Rhein-Erft district association is pushing for CDU support in Germany’s bid to host the 2042 FIFA World Cup. Delegates will now consider these motions at the conference. The outcomes will shape the CDU’s stance on issues from digital regulation to public health and economic policy. The party’s leadership has already signalled its position on several key votes, but final decisions rest with the delegates.
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