After being reelected party leader, Chancellor Friedrich Merz rallied delegates as the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) resumed its federal conference in Stuttgart on February 21, 2026. The meeting, held ahead of state elections on March 8, saw party members vote on a wide range of social and policy proposals that signal a conservative shift on several issues.
Key policy votes and proposals
– Full-face coverings: Delegates approved a motion from the party’s Women’s Union backing a nationwide ban on clothing that entirely or largely covers the face, explicitly naming the niqab and burqa. Supporters argued an open face underpins an open society and women’s dignity; critics warn such bans can fuel anti-Muslim sentiment.
– Naturalization rules: The conference backed restoring an eight-year residency requirement for citizenship, reversing the 2024 change that reduced the period to five years. Delegates also called for stricter vetting to ensure applicants accept constitutional principles and societal core values.
– Social media age limit: The CDU voted to introduce a legal minimum age of 14 for using social networks, aligning with debates across Europe over restricting children’s access to platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
– Telephonic sick notes: Delegates backed ending the option to receive a sick note by phone, arguing easy access lowers the threshold for calling in sick. Under current rules, known patients with mild symptoms can get a phone sick note for up to five days.
– Debt brake: A motion put forward by Merz opposed any further loosening of Germany’s constitutional debt limit. Delegates demanded demonstration that previous easing — used to fund defense investments — delivered promised results before allowing more debt changes.
– Sugar tax rejected: A proposal to tax sugary drinks, promoted by Schleswig-Holstein Premier Daniel Günther to curb childhood obesity, was rejected. State leaders said they would continue pursuing measures, including limits on sales of sugar-laden energy drinks to minors.
Context and reactions
The conference featured contributions from figures including Markus Söder of the CDU’s Bavarian sister party, the CSU. CDU youth and other internal groups voiced concerns where government actions have diverged from past promises, particularly regarding fiscal rules.
Other news from Germany and nearby
– A 61-year-old German man died while skiing in Austria’s Silvretta Montafon area after being found under a tree following searches that used his phone’s signal. Heavy snowfall had raised avalanche risk in the region.
– The 76th Berlin Film Festival (Berlinale) concluded amid controversy over the role of politics in art. Jury president Wim Wenders’ comments about avoiding politics and accusations of the festival’s silence on Gaza provoked resignations and an open letter from film industry figures accusing the event of failing to speak out on the “genocide of Palestinians.” Berlinale management rejected those accusations as inaccurate.