Stephan Toscani did not become prime minister twice – as of today he is the new state chairman of the CDU, elected with 331 yes votes (92.7 percent). Seven delegates at the state party conference in Eppelborn abstained, 19 voted against him. Although Toscani is part of the party establishment, it is considered to be well connected and therefore suitable for the task of realigning the CDU in terms of content and personnel.
Hans says thank you
The outgoing state chairman Tobias Hans was dismissed from office in the morning. “The reorganization begins with this party congress,” he said. “Thank you for your service to date. Thank you for everything. Take care!”
Renewal more than just staff changes
In his application speech, Toscani emphasized that there were tasks that were not actually planned in the life plan. In the crisis of the party, however, he does not want to duck away, but rather accept responsibility.
Regarding the renewal process, Toscani said it couldn’t just be about replacing people. In the grassroots conferences of the past few weeks, it has become clear that the Saar-CDU’s problem is right on its doorstep – not least because decisions were made without consulting the party base.
CDU wants to involve the base more
In addition, the party decided on its so-called future paper on Saturday. As a consequence of the defeat in the state elections, the party is calling for a comprehensive new start. One goal is therefore to increase the CDU membership base and to involve as many social groups as possible.
The members should also be more involved in the future. Among other things, more young people should also be given positions of responsibility.
As the opposition party, it is the task of the CDU to point out mistakes to the SPD, which governs alone. Toscani cited school politics as an example.
Audio [SR 3, Carolin Dylla, 28.05.2022, Länge: 01:07 Min.]
State party conference of the Saar-CDU in Eppelborn
Personnel restart planned
The tableau for the new state board should embody a new start in terms of personnel. This includes 23-year-old Carolin Mathieu, who is to fill the newly created post of Deputy Secretary General. However, the rules of procedure must be changed for this post, which is why it can only be formally elected at the next party congress.
Frank Wagner, member of the state parliament, was elected general secretary of the party with 89.7 percent (313 yes votes, 25 no, eleven abstentions).
Members of the Bundestag Nadine Schön (279 yes votes) and District Administrator Daniela Schlegel-Friedrich (319), Member of the Landtag Roland Theis (324) and Mayor of Saarbrücken Uwe Conradt (306) were also elected as deputy party chairmen.
It was also announced on Friday that the 35-year-old scientist Silke Maringer was to move up to the ranks of the vice party chairmen. She was elected with 292 yes votes.
The SR radio news of May 28, 2022 also reported on this topic.