Rödder gives up his position as head of the CDU Basic Values Commission
Has been chairman of the CDU Basic Values Commission since 2022: Andreas Rödder
Source: Martin UK Lengemann/WELT
The historian Andreas Rödder had suggested a change of strategy to the CDU. He was open to his party’s minority governments in eastern Germany – even with occasional support from the AfD. The CDU leadership sharply criticized Rödder. Now he is drawing conclusions.
Dhe historian Andreas Rödder is giving up his post as head of the CDU Basic Values Commission. Rödder confirmed the withdrawal to WELT “to avoid repeated misunderstandings about my role.” He continued: “But I remain connected to the CDU and Friedrich Merz and continue to support him in the realignment of the CDU as a civil force in Germany.” At first that had Online portal “Nius“reported about it.
A few days ago, Rödder caused unrest within the CDU because he suggested in an interview with “Stern” that the possibility of a CDU minority government with occasional support from the AfD be considered in the eastern German states. “The CDU can no longer argue about false firewalls. “That only has the effect that the AfD can demonstrate the CDU again and again,” said Rödder.
The CDU leadership firmly rejected the proposal. CDU federal deputy Karin Prien explained that Rödder was exceeding his authority at this point. Such statements, which are not supported by either the CDU’s presidium or federal executive committee, are completely unacceptable. “Our goal is to become the strongest force and to form coalitions with other democratic parties,” said Prien. “Making yourself dependent on the AfD in any way is completely out of the question.”
CDU leader Friedrich Merz expressed his opposition to the move this week. “That’s an absolute no-go!” he told the “Augsburger Allgemeine”. He ruled out any collaboration between his party and the AfD as “unimaginable”. “The CDU would sell its soul if it worked with this party.”
Rödder complains about “personal discredits”
In a letter to Merz, which WELT has received, Rödder explains his decision. It says he rejects all allegations that he has abandoned the CDU’s core values. “I have done nothing other than think about constitutional options to free the CDU from its political defensive and counter its threat from the AfD.”
One could find the considerations wrong and reject them on the merits. Instead, leading representatives of the CDU “spread personal discredits and factual untruths without being contradicted,” criticizes Rödder. That doesn’t shed a good light on the culture of discussion in the CDU.
Merz made it clear that Rödder had to choose between intellectual freedom and the leadership of the Basic Values Commission, writes the historian. “Freedom as a citizen and scientist has always been the non-negotiable basis of my political commitment as a Christian Democrat. Therefore, I have no choice but to resign from the leadership of the Basic Values Commission.”