Merkel’s CDU approves more conservative orientation

Reports from the party conference of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) held in Essen from 6-7 December 2016, which re-elected Chancellor Angela Merkel as the CDU party leader and as CDU candidate in the autumn 2017 Federal Elections.

In addition, delegates at the conference also approved a 20-page position paper, entitled Orientation in Difficult Times, which would serve as a preliminary party platform ahead of the 2017 elections. While clearly centrist in tone, there were some concessions to right wing calls within the party and outside to toughen Germany's migration policies and a call for a partial ban on the wearing of the burqua.

ESO: Background information: Merkel announces fourth term candidacy http://www.europeansources.info/record/merkel-announces-fourth-term-candidacy/

EurActiv, 06.12.16: Merkel’s CDU prepares for ‘toughest’ election http://www.euractiv.com/section/elections/news/merkels-cdu-prepares-for-toughest-election/

Website: Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands (CDU) https://www.cdu.de/

Euro|Topics: Debates, December 2016: Merkel wants to remain chancellor http://www.eurotopics.net/en/169875/merkel-wants-to-remain-chancellor

The Guardian, 07.12.16: Angela Merkel endorses party's call for partial ban on burqa and niqab https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/06/angela-merkel-cdu-partial-ban-burqa-niqab-german

Politico, 07.12.16: Inside Angela Merkel’s bunker http://www.politico.eu/article/inside-angela-merkels-bunker-cdu-germany/

EurActiv, 04.01.17: ‘We need to talk’, Bavarian CSU tells Merkel on migrants http://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/we-need-to-talk-bavarian-csu-tells-merkel-on-migrants/

OSW: Analyses, 07.12.16: The CDU federal convention – fighting for the support of right-wing voters https://www.osw.waw.pl/en/publikacje/analyses/2016-12-07/cdu-federal-convention-fighting-support-right-wing-voters

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