
AI-generated summary
The CDU is suffering from poor election results and record low poll numbers for Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The mood in the coalition is tense. Before the upcoming presidential retreat of the CDU leadership in Berlin, former CSU leader Horst Seehofer publicly criticized Merz for broken election promises, particularly on tax cuts, and accused him of a massive loss of credibility. Merz's statements about work ethic in Germany are also met with rejection in Bavaria.
The CDU election results: recently poor. The poll numbers for Chancellor Merz: worse than ever. The mood in the coalition: could be better.
When the CDU leadership meets for its presidential retreat today and tomorrow, it will probably be uncomfortable.
"A politician must have an attitude himself"
Before the meeting in Berlin, the sister party CSU is also acting as a mood killer: Former CSU leader Horst Seehofer shoots harshly against the Chancellor in Bild am Sonntag and attests that Friedrich Merz has suffered a "massive loss of credibility". The reason is broken election promises - for example on the subject of tax cuts. Seehofer is therefore calling for an urgent course correction and “significantly less self-employment”.
Seehofer went on to say that new commissions are no longer needed because a top politician has to take a position himself. "A politician who plays in the Bundesliga must have an attitude himself - for example when it comes to care - and on this basis implement solutions in the coalition."
Anger over Merz's work ethic statements
The Chancellor's statements about work ethic in Germany were also not well received in Bavaria: "Statements that Germans work too little and spend too much time off sick hurt people," said Seehofer. He also pointed out the economic problems in the country: "At Audi, I see employees who would like to work more, but who are offered termination contracts instead. This blanket language completely ignores reality."
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The CDU leadership will discuss a course correction at the presidential retreat in order to respond to Seehofer's criticism.
Likely · Within days
Tensions between the CDU and CSU are likely to continue as long as Merz sticks to his current line.
Likely · Within weeks

The CDU is meeting for a leadership retreat to react to the heavy election defeats in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saxony-Anhalt and Berlin. Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz is under pressure as the party discusses the consequences of content, strategic direction and cooperation with the SPD and the Left.
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After the loss of the state parliament in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and the collapse of the CDU in Saxony-Anhalt, party leader Friedrich Merz is facing a loss of trust within the party. He emphasizes the firewall against the AfD, while some MPs are said to have cooperated with right-wing extremists. At the retreat, CDU leaders discuss the future course, social justice and how to deal with internal dissidents.

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