Berlin CDU Concludes Member Vote on Coalition Agreement

The Berlin chapter of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has wrapped up its member survey regarding the coalition agreement forged with the Social Democratic Party (SPD). This initiative, which has garnered national attention, diverges from the federal party's approach, where members are not consulted on the coalition terms.

As of 4:00 PM today, CDU members had the opportunity to respond to twelve questions concerning the government program, with the survey initiated last Thursday, just after the agreement's unveiling. The results will be disclosed at a later date, although they are non-binding.

Dirk Reitze, the party's regional secretary, noted a significant level of engagement among members. Unlike other CDU branches, which have opted not to involve their members in the decision, the Berlin CDU has chosen to seek feedback on various key issues, including the recently approved easing of the debt brake, immigration policy reforms, citizen income adjustments, pension strategies, and the continuation of the Deutschlandticket.

Members were asked to evaluate these topics, selecting from options such as "yes," "rather yes," "rather no," "no," or "I don't know." Additionally, members could provide a grade for the coalition agreement itself.

Speculation has arisen regarding whether this survey is a subtle critique of CDU leader Friedrich Merz by Berlin's CDU chief and Mayor Kai Wegner. However, party officials have dismissed such interpretations, asserting that this feedback mechanism is a long-standing practice within the party, typically conducted three to four times annually.

Wegner has occasionally expressed views that differ from Merz's, particularly on the debt brake issue, where he has been a vocal proponent of easing restrictions, a stance Merz opposed during the campaign but later shifted on post-election.

Wegner welcomed the coalition agreement, emphasizing its focus on economic prudence and security policies. Meanwhile, SPD members are currently voting on the coalition agreement until April 29. The Christian Social Union (CSU) has already approved it through a board decision. The CDU plans to finalize its position at a small party convention on April 28, with Merz expected to be elected as Chancellor in the Bundestag on May 6, assuming all goes as planned.