CDU Social Wing Leader Radtke Warns Coalition Collapse and Minority-Government Risks
Dennis Radtke, head of the CDU’s social wing, said he is shocked by talk of a broken coalition and a minority government, calling it reckless.
Dennis Radtke, the chief of the CDU’s social wing, expressed disbelief at reports that one outlet coalition could disintegrate and that the Union might have to form a minority government. Referring to a recent one outlet's report and comments from Chancellor Friedrich Merz to CDU lawmakers, Radtke said the idea of governing without a clear majority is "adventurous" and would jeopardise Germany’s ability to meet its responsibilities.
He warned that only the AfD would profit from a coalition breakup and accused the political centre of hastening its own decline. Radtke highlighted concerns in Saxony-Anhalt about possible defections to the AfD and in Berlin about collaborations with extremist groups. He called for the CDU to emulate its North-Rhine Westphalia branch, which he described as still rooted in the people, and mentioned Minister-President Hendrik Wüst as a potential successor to Merz.
Why it matters
Radtke’s warning signals internal CDU tensions that could affect Germany’s government stability.
How this story developed
- Sep 23 SPD and Greens require Die Linke to demonstrate anti‑antisemitism safeguards before coalition talks can proceed.
- Sep 23 Heidenau city council will vote on a motion, supported by CDU and AfD members, to reject two proposed Stolpersteine for Fritz and Martha Goldstein and instead favor a collective memorial at the Nordfriedhof.
- Sep 24 Merz faces mounting pressure after the regional setbacks.
- Sep 24 The Israeli ambassador warned of an “immediate existential threat” to Berlin’s Jewish community over alleged antisemitism in the party.
- Sep 24 The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance pledged support for the AfD’s speaker nominee, creating a parliamentary majority for the AfD in Saxony‑Anhalt.
- Sep 27 The council has scheduled a vote on the proposed ban.
- Sep 27 SPD and Greens issued a joint warning demanding Die Linke reject antisemitism and clan crime before coalition talks proceed.
- Sep 29 AfD parliamentary group chair Ulrich Siegmund said he will stand for the Minister-President post in the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament in December.
- Oct 3 Tobias Rausch was elected speaker of the Landtag.
- Oct 3 AfD now ahead of the Union in the latest INSA Sunday poll, widening the gap.
- Oct 5 The council moved from debating the proposal to formally approving the resolution that declines new Stolpersteine applications.
- Oct 7 A secret ballot produced undisclosed extra votes, prompting CDU leaders to demand an investigation.
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