At the CDU party conference held in Stuttgart, Chancellor Friedrich Merz projected an optimistic narrative about the future of Germany under his leadership, promoting the CDU as a viable alternative to the far-right AfD party. He emphasized the need for a course correction in refugee policy, highlighted by prominent signage at the conference venue, aiming to distance the CDU's approach from the political rhetoric often associated with the AfD. However, Merz's focus on optimism came at the expense of addressing pressing issues such as taxation and pension reform, which left many attendees wanting more substantive policy proposals.

The absence of a detailed reform speech focused on an ambitious 'Agenda 2030' was notable, as many within the CDU had hoped for a clearer outline of the party's economic vision. Instead, Merz's message revolved around countering negative perceptions of the economic landscape, asserting that the CDU remains 'the party of confidence for Germany.' This approach reflects an attempt to consolidate party unity and strengthen confidence among supporters in the face of challenging economic indicators and internal party divisions.

Ultimately, the conference highlighted the balancing act that Merz must perform: advocating for progressive changes while maintaining a distance from the far-right narrative in Germany. The future of the CDU will depend greatly on its ability to present a coherent and convincing policy agenda that resonates with voters, particularly as they grapple with uncertainties in economic policy and social issues. As the political climate evolves, the CDU's challenge will be to transform optimism into actionable strategies that appeal to a broader electorate.