Berlin, April 11, 2026
The labor wing of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has called for the immediate dismissal of Economy Minister Katherina Reiche, accusing her of undermining Chancellor Friedrich Merz and opposing party unity.
Christian Bäumler, deputy chairman of the CDU’s employee representation wing, told public broadcaster SWR that a "Auswechslung" (replacement) of the minister was unavoidable, citing her resistance to Merz’s leadership. The demand follows Reiche’s sharp criticism of proposals by the Social Democratic Party (SPD), including a windfall tax, which she labeled as economically and constitutionally flawed.
Internal CDU Tensions Escalate
The public rift within the CDU has deepened as Reiche openly challenged her own party’s leadership. Bäumler emphasized that her opposition to Merz had made her position untenable. "Eine 'Auswechslung' der Ministerin sei unumgänglich, auch weil sich Reiche Kanzler Friedrich Merz (CDU) widersetzt habe," he said, framing the conflict as a matter of party discipline.
Reiche, however, has not backed down. In a press conference, she dismissed SPD policies, including the proposed windfall tax, as "teuer, wirkungsschwach und verfassungsrechtlich fragwürdig" (expensive, ineffective, and constitutionally questionable). Her remarks were seen as a direct rebuke to the SPD-led coalition’s economic agenda, further straining relations within the government.
Merz Expresses Displeasure Over Public Feud
Chancellor Merz, reportedly frustrated by the public dispute, has distanced himself from the escalating conflict. Sources close to him stated on Friday that Merz was "befremdet über den öffentlichen Schlagabtausch" (troubled by the public exchange of blows), signaling his discomfort with the open infighting.
The clash highlights broader tensions within the CDU, particularly between its pro-business and labor-oriented factions. While Reiche has aligned herself with economic liberals, the party’s labor wing, led by figures like Bäumler, has pushed for more worker-friendly policies. The disagreement over the SPD’s tax proposals has brought these divisions to the forefront.
Political Fallout and Next Steps
The demand for Reiche’s removal raises questions about the stability of Merz’s government. If the CDU’s labor wing succeeds in ousting her, it could embolden other factions to challenge the chancellor’s authority. Conversely, retaining Reiche risks alienating a significant part of the party’s base.
The SPD, meanwhile, has seized on the discord. Party officials have criticized the CDU’s internal strife as a sign of weak leadership, arguing that it undermines governance. The controversy also comes at a sensitive time, with debates over economic policy intensifying amid rising inflation and energy costs.
As the standoff continues, all eyes are on Merz’s next move. Whether he will side with his minister or yield to pressure from within his own party remains uncertain, but the outcome could reshape the CDU’s direction ahead of key regional elections later this year.