Linnemann's Present-Day Ego

Carsten Linnemann, a 48-year-old CDU politician from Paderborn, has emerged as a frontrunner to replace Friedrich Merz as party leader. Known for his pro-business stance and conservative economic policies, he has quickly risen through the ranks despite being a relative newcomer to high-level politics.

His recent shift in tone—avoiding past claims about unemployment benefit reforms—has drawn attention as the CDU prepares for a leadership transition.

Linnemann has held key roles within the CDU for years. Since 2009, he has represented Paderborn in the Bundestag. He led the party’s business wing, the Mittelstands- und Wirtschaftsunion, from 2013 to 2021. Later, he served as deputy chair of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, focusing on economic and small-business issues.

In 2023, he became the CDU’s secretary general, a position formally confirmed in May 2024. His influence grew as he co-authored the party’s 2024 basic programme and chaired its policy commission. These roles solidified his reputation as a reformist and a potential successor to Merz. One of his earlier claims—that reforming unemployment benefits (Bürgergeld) would save €15 billion—has since been disputed. Official figures showed the number of so-called 'work refusers' was far lower than suggested, making the projected savings negligible. When questioned about this, Linnemann dismissed his past statements, saying he now focuses on his 'present self'. His political adaptability has led to comparisons with veteran figures like Franz Müntefering and Konrad Adenauer. Alongside other Merz loyalists, such as Jens Spahn and Philipp Amthor, Linnemann is positioning himself for the post-Merz era. This preparation has sparked concerns within the party about the direction of its future leadership.

Linnemann’s rise reflects his strategic positioning within the CDU’s power structure. His ability to distance himself from earlier claims while maintaining influence suggests a calculated approach to leadership. As the party looks beyond Merz, his role—and that of other loyalists—will shape its next phase.