During a national congress held in Stuttgart, the German Christian Democratic Union (CDU) re-elected Chancellor Friedrich Merz as its chairman, garnering 91.17% of the votes, which is an improvement from his previous election results. Merz, the sole candidate for the position, urged party members to support his government and categorically rejected any collaboration with the right-wing extremist party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), as classified by the domestic intelligence agency last year.

In his opening speech, Merz emphasized the importance of unity within the CDU to achieve their goals and maintain their position as the strongest faction in the Bundestag alongside their Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU). He took over as party leader in 2022, amid evolving political dynamics in Germany over the past year. The coalition government formed by the CDU/CSU and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) has faced challenges, pushing the party to consolidate its internal support.

The anticipation surrounding the vote reflected underlying tensions within the party regarding Merz's standing among members. The solid support indicated by the 91.17% vote share may signal a renewed confidence in his leadership, even as the political landscape continues to shift, making the CDU's strategy crucial in navigating upcoming electoral battles and maintaining their relevance in German politics ahead.