Union: Merz kündigt günstigeren Strom an – und kämpft ums Vertrauen

CDU-Präsident Friedrich Merz has promised short-term reliefs for citizens to enable affordable living, according to a CDU Preisdienststagung. He mentioned lowering the electricity tax to the European minimum level as a concrete measure. Merz outlined three priorities for the party: affordability, justice, and security. Following the party's poor show in elections in Berlin, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and Saxony-Anhalt, there was a direction debate within the CDU.

CDU Ministers, including the Minister-President, called for better explanation of reforms and stronger consideration of social concerns. Merz emphasized that the reforms must remain, but the party must respond to people's feelings. Only when people's lives become affordable will their confidence grow in long-term reforms. Merz sees the electricity tax reduction as a bridge while reforms take effect.

The CDU maintains its commitment to social security systems, and will ensure everyone gets a doctor's appointment regardless of insurance status. The Union aims to close the "credibility gap" between its promises and results. The CDU plans to act quickly on reforms, including pension and care policies, to boost future prospects for people and improve election results.

The Union's message is not just to gain support for reforms, but also to be seen as more than just a party that imposes painful changes. The party sought a "sense of progress" during the discussion. Merz invited the Civey research institute to gauge public mood, stating that while people understand the need for reforms, they no longer believe their standard of living will improve.

Economic pressures like rising food prices are evident. The Union still holds the hope that people will trust it can deliver an upward promise, but confidence in the party is low among AfD, SPD, Greens and Left voters. However, some Präsidium members have voiced hope in recent weeks. Many Präsidium members have also suggested a tariff adjustment with small changes in recent weeks.

The regional agriculture ministers asked the Chancellor and Fraktionsvorsitz to refrain from imposing a sugar tax, as it harms both consumers and farmers. The CDU's regional faction heads have also urged for more reliefs, including reducing social insurance contributions and the electricity tax. The reforms on health and care were confirmed, along with a justice and practice check.

Merz is addressing the Präsidium chairmen on November 2nd in a meeting at the Konrad-Adenauer-Haus. Other meetings include discussions between Family Minister Karin Prien and the leader of the Young Union on land reforms, and a long speech by the CDU leader. During the Preisdienststagung, there was extensive debate, though the AfD's stance was not emphasized.