General Secretary Carsten Linnemann on the reconstruction of the CDU, the next chancellor and the comeback of the “leading culture”.
What’s for you populism?
When you act as if there is a seemingly simple solution, but you know that it doesn’t exist.
Have you ever done it?
I once called for medical bills to be made transparent for patients. That was a quick decision, as I now know. A few days ago I received a lengthy medical bill. I only understood half of it. The idea at the time was well-intentioned, but in the end it would have just meant more bureaucracy.
We get the impression that you often throw a punch. Sometimes you demand more toughness against swimming pool thugs, sometimes you demand a stop to the expansion of the Chancellery. No populism?
Caution: A clear stance does not equal populism. When I demand things, it is to solve problems. I have a clear principle. I am not asking for anything until I have spoken to experts and the grassroots. Sometimes common sense suggests a certain requirement. When expanding the Chancellery, for example.
Whose stop you as austerity measure thrown around.
We decided to expand while we were still in government. But then Corona came, the home office culture took hold. Now there is no longer any need for expansion. You can save yourself almost a billion euros. This is the opposite of populism. This is a program against disillusionment with politics.
The Union and citizens’ money
Then we take the citizen’s money. The Union has agreed to this Federal Council Agreed – you’ve been acting like it was a complete waste for weeks now. Why?