Wiebke Winter eyes CDU leadership in Bremen amid bold pension and climate reforms
Berlin. Wiebke Winter, leader of the Bremen Citizens' Assembly parliamentary group, has predicted a resounding vote of confidence for CDU leader Friedrich Merz ahead of the party conference. "I am certain it will be over 90 percent," Winter told Politico magazine.
She praised Merz's performance as chancellor, saying he was "doing an excellent job" and providing strong leadership for Germany, particularly in foreign policy. "He is the right chancellor for Germany and the right party leader for the CDU," Winter stated. While acknowledging that internal criticism was legitimate, she expressed confidence that the conference would clearly reaffirm Merz's position.
For her own bid for a seat on the CDU executive board, Winter announced a focus on intergenerational equity. She emphasized that major decisions lay ahead, especially on pension reform. "We need bold reforms to ensure our pension system meets the challenges we face," she said. At the same time, she reaffirmed her commitment to climate action, noting her role as deputy federal chair of the CDU's Climate Union. "Both issues are important to me."
On potential coalitions, Winter remained open-minded, stating that partnerships with the Greens, SPD, or FDP were possible. However, she stressed that a strong CDU-led government took priority. "I am not fighting for a coalition—I am fighting for a strong Union," the politician said.
Turning to her home state of Bremen, Winter called for a change in government after more than 75 years under SPD leadership. "Things are not going well," she argued, insisting it was time for the CDU to take charge at city hall. A decision on whether she would run as the party's top candidate, she added, would be made in the coming weeks.
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