Social-Media Ban and Söder's Promise to Merz - Germany's CDU reveals unity and rifts at pivotal Stuttgart conference
Germany's centre-right Union bloc wrapped up its CDU party conference in Stuttgart with a show of unity among top leaders. Yet sharp differences emerged in their messages to the coalition partner, the SPD. The event saw key votes on policies ranging from social media restrictions to economic rules, revealing both internal agreement and public disputes.
Over two days, delegates debated more than 200 proposals. Among the most contentious were plans to ban under-14s from social media, reverse cannabis legalisation, and tighten exemptions for harvest workers under minimum wage laws. The party also reaffirmed its opposition to relaxing the debt brake and pushed back against changes to sick note policies.
The conference formally backed a full prohibition on cannabis possession, cultivation, and distribution. However, the coalition government—comprising the CDU/CSU and SPD—has only agreed to an open-ended review rather than immediate legislative action. Bavarian Premier Markus Söder used his speech to reinforce his partnership with Chancellor Friedrich Merz. He stressed their strong working relationship and mutual support. But Söder also took aim at the SPD's tax plans, particularly on inheritance tax, ruling out any compromise on the issue. In contrast, Merz called for closer cooperation with the SPD to ensure the coalition's success. CDU/CSU parliamentary leader Jens Spahn echoed this, urging partners to find common ground. Yet Söder struck a different tone, declaring the Union the dominant force in government. The social media age limit proposal gained particular attention, winning CDU approval. Notably, some SPD politicians have also backed the idea, hinting at potential cross-party alignment on the issue.
The conference ended with a mix of policy decisions and public positioning. The CDU has now set clear demands on issues like cannabis, social media, and economic rules. But the differing tones from Söder and Merz highlight ongoing tensions within the coalition, leaving the path forward uncertain.
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