CDU Reverses Membership Decline After 25 Years

For the first time in a quarter-century, Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has reported an increase in its membership numbers. As of October 1st, 2023, the party's membership count stands at 363,381, marking a 0.2% growth over the past six months. This rise halts the party's long-standing trend of a 2% annual decline, according to CDU membership officer Philipp Amthor.

The turnaround is attributed to the recent nomination of Friedrich Merz as the CDU's chancellor candidate. The announcement, coupled with the party congress in May where a new fundamental program was adopted, spurred new memberships. Amthor emphasized that the CDU not only aspires to be a people's party but also aims to uphold this status in the future.

Despite the recent growth, the CDU still trails slightly behind the Social Democratic Party (SPD), which had 365,190 members at the end of 2023. Unlike the CDU, which does not compete in Bavaria, the SPD boasts nationwide representation. The party's strategy moving forward includes quarterly surveys of its members on various topics, starting with national service and societal issues.

This membership boost has sparked optimism within the CDU, as it seeks to solidify its position as Germany's leading political force. The momentum gained from the positive developments between April and September of 2023 provides a strong foundation for future growth. With the CDU and CSU maintaining their lead as the strongest political alliance, the party is poised to capitalize on its recent gains and drive further engagement.