Proposal sought for a workers' safeguard directive addressing electronic device-related risks, as requested by the Commission.

In the lead-up to the Rhineland-Palatinate state election in March and the CDU's federal party congress in December 2025, Christian Baldauf, the top candidate for the state election, has issued a call for unity within the party and concrete ideas for the future.

Baldauf, who is vying for the position of Rhineland-Palatinate's next state leader, has expressed his belief that the sooner the matter of the chancellor candidacy and the election of the new federal chairman is settled, the better for the party. The unresolved question of these key positions has been a topic of discussion among the candidates for the CDU federal chairmanship, Armin Laschet, Friedrich Merz, and Norbert Röttgen.

However, none of the candidates have presented a proper concept yet, making it challenging for party members to make informed decisions. The corona crisis has further complicated the situation, as discussions about the candidates' concepts are now taking place in video conferences rather than in-person meetings.

Despite this, Baldauf remains hopeful that all candidates running for the CDU federal chairmanship can do it and is eager to hear concrete ideas for the future from each of them. After the video conferences with the candidates, Baldauf will decide on whom to support.

The CDU is scheduled to determine its chancellor candidate at the party congress in December 2025. If no agreement is reached before that, the decision will be made at the December party congress. If the need arises, the chancellor candidate may also be determined in May.

Meanwhile, the Rhineland-Palatinate state election is scheduled for March, and Baldauf believes that the sooner the matter of the federal leadership is settled, the better it will be for the party's chances in the state election. He emphasises the importance of unity and a clear vision for the future in order to secure the CDU's position as a leading political force in Germany.