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Germany Day of the Junge Union in Münster.
Just three weeks after the general election.
It goes without saying that the main focus is on coming to terms with the election debacle.
Kevin Hagen, DER SPIEGEL:
"This is also a self-therapeutic event, not just for the Junge Union, but also for the Union as a whole."
And it is seething in the offspring of the sister parties.
Kevin Hagen, DER SPIEGEL:
»Basically it's about everything.
At least that's the feeling that many here have.
Yesterday someone said to me that you move between anger and resignation, I might not put it quite so dramatically.
But the atmosphere, the mood here is very subdued.
You can tell from the applause that the individual speakers receive.
And there is a big question floating around here: Can the Union remain a people's party? "
In this mood, the appearance of Armin Laschet in particular was eagerly awaited.
But the reactions to the defeated candidate for chancellor were warm and friendly.
How does that fit in with the frustration of the many delegates?
Kevin Hagen, DER SPIEGEL:
“I think there is a clear reason for this: his big competitor Markus Söder, who was also invited, gave up.
That made sure that Laschet's presence alone earned him points.
And he gave a very, very strong, very self-critical speech.
And many here give him credit for that very highly. "
Armin Laschet, CDU chief:
“We achieved a bitter result.
Nothing about it can be glossed over.
And as a candidate for Chancellor, I am responsible for this result. "
Laschet cautiously initiated his own retreat last week.
So the JU meeting also became a kind of showcase for its possible successors, with different reactions.
Kevin Hagen, DER SPIEGEL:
Friedrich Merz gave a very, very reserved, almost bad speech.
Friedrich Merz, CDU Jens Spahn, Minister of Health, CDU:
"The focus now is not on personnel decisions, but rather the next few weeks and months, maybe years, must be shaped by content-related discussions, political decisions, and your own opinions."
Kevin Hagen, DER SPIEGEL:
“Some told me that this is the worst Friedrich Merz they have ever seen.
And that in the Union, where there have been many supporters of Friedrich Merz in recent years.
Jens Spahn, on the other hand, was totally ambitious and actually clearly made his determination to shape the party clear. "
Jens Spahn, Federal Minister of Health, CDU:
»I would like to shape this CDU.
I would like to do this project with you.
And I know: you have this desire too. "
Kevin Hagen, DER SPIEGEL:
»Norbert Röttgen snuck quietly between the delegates here as well.
Also a signal, it is to be expected.
But there is also a new beacon of hope for many in the Junge Union.
And that is Carsten Linnemann, head of the SME and Economic Union.
He was there today too, actually only with a marginal appearance.
But the applause was very, very loud.
That had already become apparent, in the corridors, during the conversations.
Many have high hopes for Linnemann here. "
Many questions about the future of the Union will of course remain unanswered this weekend.
CDU and CSU are at the beginning of a renewal.
In view of the course of the traffic light talks so far, only one thing should be clear: This renewal will - as of now - take place in the opposition.
(Video)
