The CDU Party Conference has officially begun in Stuttgart with Friedrich Merz seeking reelection as party leader for the first time since becoming Chancellor. The event is generating considerable anticipation regarding Merz's performance in the vote scheduled for the afternoon, especially following his strong showing at the last election congress in 2024 where he secured nearly 90% of delegates' support. This figure will be compared against the 83.6% received by Markus Söder during his recent reelection as CSU leader, setting a significant benchmark for Merz.

During the two-day conference, approximately 1,000 delegates will deliberate over a variety of proposals. There has already been buzz around key topics, including the potential implementation of age restrictions on social media, which CDU politician Linnemann has been vocal about. This reflects a broader debate within the party on how to adapt to changing societal norms and the digital landscape, positioning the CDU to engage effectively with younger voters and remain relevant in contemporary issues.

Overall, the outcome of this conference is crucial not only for Merz's leadership but also for the CDU's strategic direction moving forward. The pressures from party members for further reforms indicate a desire for modernization and responsiveness to voter concerns. The conference thus represents a pivotal moment in the party's narrative as it seeks to position itself more robustly against political competitors in the lead-up to future elections.