Former CDU MP Ruprecht Polenz awarded Federal Cross for online democratic advocacy

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will confer the Bundesverdienstkreuz on former CDU parliamentarian Ruprecht Polenz for his vigorous engagement on the social-media platform X. Polenz, still a CDU member, uses his online profile to argue for a leftward course echoing Angela Merkel’s legacy, frequently challenging his party’s rightward drift and urging a clear break from the AfD. He advocates coalition partnerships with the SPD and Greens and does not rule out cooperation with the Linkspartei in regional government formation.

Polenz also supports stronger European regulation of digital platforms, defending the Digital Services Act’s content-removal provisions. Alongside Polenz, other public figures such as Annette Dittert, Marina Weisband and Karamba Diaby will receive the honor for their progressive contributions to public debate.