German CDU political campaigning and competition

Political activity involving the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has focused on regional election preparations and competition with the Alternative for Germany (AfD).

In Berlin, medical student Büsra Karadag was nominated as the CDU candidate for the Nord-Neukölln constituency in the upcoming September state parliament elections. Her platform emphasizes local issues including public safety, transport policy, and youth health.

Nationwide, competition between the CDU and AfD is intensifying. In Brandenburg, following local elections, the CDU has secured the chairmanship in the majority of municipal parliaments, holding the chair in 12 of 14 district councils and 3 of 4 city councils. Although the AfD won the majority of votes in 16 out of 18 districts and cities, they did not secure the chair positions.

CDU General Secretary Gordon Hoffmann stated that the results demonstrate there is no majority for the AfD across Brandenburg, claiming the CDU has gathered all ‘decent’ forces. Conversely, AfD parliamentary leader Hans-Christoph Berndt criticized the exclusion from chair positions despite their electoral majorities, describing the situation as a form of ‘misanthropy’. The Brandenburg State Office for the Protection of the Constitution currently classifies the state branch of the AfD as a suspected case of right-wing extremism.

In Bocholt, the AfD continues to attempt to expand its influence following its emergence as the third-largest force in the municipal council, aiming to challenge the CDU for the position of strongest faction.