Berlin, April 11, 2026 The CDU's labor wing has called for the immediate removal of Economy Minister Katherina Reiche, accusing her of opposing Chancellor Friedrich Merz and undermining party unity.

## Internal Party Conflict Escalates Christian Bäumler, deputy chair of the CDU's labor wing, publicly demanded Reiche's dismissal in an interview with SWR, stating that a "Auswechslung" (replacement) of the minister was unavoidable. The move highlights deepening divisions within the conservative party as it grapples with economic policy disputes.

"Auswechslung der Ministerin sei unumgänglich, auch weil sich Reiche Kanzler Friedrich Merz (CDU) widersetzt habe," Bäumler said, emphasizing that Reiche’s resistance to Merz’s leadership had made her position untenable. The remarks signal a rare public challenge to Merz’s authority from within his own party.

Reiche, a prominent figure in the CDU’s moderate faction, has clashed with Merz over economic policy, particularly on issues like taxation and corporate regulation. The labor wing’s intervention suggests growing frustration among CDU traditionalists who view her stance as overly conciliatory toward market-driven reforms.

## Reiche Fires Back at SPD Proposals The economy minister responded to the criticism by targeting the opposition SPD’s economic platform, which includes proposals such as a windfall tax on corporate profits. In a press conference, Reiche dismissed the SPD’s ideas as "teuer, wirkungsschwach und verfassungsrechtlich fragwürdig" (expensive, ineffective, and constitutionally questionable).

Her sharp rebuke of the SPD’s policies appears to be an attempt to rally CDU unity by shifting focus to partisan divides. However, the strategy has done little to quell internal dissent, with figures like Bäumler insisting that her disagreements with Merz are the core issue.

The SPD, led by Lars Klingbeil, has seized on the infighting, framing it as evidence of the CDU’s inability to govern cohesively. The opposition party has repeatedly criticized Reiche’s policies, particularly her resistance to stricter corporate regulations, which the SPD argues would benefit workers.

## Political Fallout and Next Steps The public feud threatens to destabilize Merz’s government at a time when the CDU is already facing pressure from the resurgent AfD in polls. With state elections in Baden-Württemberg approaching, the party’s internal divisions could weaken its standing among conservative voters.

Reiche has so far refused to step down, and Merz has not publicly commented on the labor wing’s demands. Observers suggest that the chancellor may attempt to mediate behind the scenes to prevent further damage to party cohesion.

The CDU’s labor wing, however, shows no signs of backing down. Bäumler’s remarks indicate that the faction is prepared to escalate its campaign against Reiche unless Merz takes action. The coming days will test whether the party can reconcile its internal factions or if the rift will deepen ahead of critical elections.