80 years of the CDU Dermbach: A celebration of history and community

80 years of the CDU Dermbach: A celebration of history and community

October 5, 2025 will remain memorable in Dermbach, because on this day the CDU local association celebrated its 80th anniversary. The celebration took place as part of the CDU Wartburg district's autumn festival in the Rhönland barn on Lindig. Over 150 members, friends and companions came together to properly celebrate this special occasion. With a colorful mix of music, a spiritual impulse, historical reviews and political outlooks, both emotions and cohesion in the CDU came into their own.

The event was moderated by Felicitas Kotsch. The guests of honor included prominent faces of the CDU such as Alexander Ruppert, the local chairman, and Dr. Michael Brodführer, the CDU district chairman and district administrator. The Bundestag member Christian Hirte and the mayor of Eisenach, Christoph Ihling, also took the opportunity to enrich this important day with their greetings. The event also offered space for an ecumenical prayer led by Pastor Ulrich Pasenow and Pastor Silke Glöckner, as well as musical performances by the Alba singers.

An eventful story

In an exciting lecture, Hans Peter Mötzung illuminated the history of the Dermbach local association. Founded on October 1, 1945 with 61 members, the CDU Dermbach enjoyed electoral success with 58% of the vote in its first year. But the time in the GDR was marked by persecution and political challenges. Under courageous leaders like Harald Wehner, the group resisted the SED regime. The change in 1990 brought a new era for the CDU in Dermbach, when it became the strongest force with 73%. These and many other developments contributed to Dermbach becoming a modern center in the Thuringian Rhön.

A special honor was given to long-standing members. Achim Storz and Gerhard Buchhardt were honored for 65 years of membership, while Peter Kynast was honored for 60 years. Helmut Bittorf and Bernhard Schuchert, who have been there for 50 years, and other members also received recognition for their loyalty and commitment. Hans Peter Mötzung was also honored for his services to the local association's chronicle, which underlines the importance of maintaining history in political communities.

A look into the future

However, the CDU Dermbach-Rhön does not only focus on the past. The local elections are coming up in spring 2024, and a nomination meeting took place in Dermbach Castle on March 15th. 20 candidates were nominated for the local council, with Markus Gerstung leading the list. A special highlight is the nomination of Nancy Hepp as a candidate for district mayor of Dermbach, who is running against the incumbent mayor Hartmut Hepp.

These efforts reflect the CDU's efforts to actively involve women and young people in political participation. The commitment of the members shows that the Christian Democratic Union is not only an important player in the history of Thuringia, but also plays an important role in the current political landscape. The aim is to take citizens' opinions and concerns seriously and to create an ideal framework for individual talents and happiness in life. This is how the CDU moves forward to act in the interests of the well-being of the people in Thuringia and to continue its successful history.

The celebration was rounded off with the singing of the national anthem and a festive cake in the colors black, red and gold. The evening ended in a convivial atmosphere, with discussions and outlooks on the future, which is full of opportunities and challenges for the CDU Dermbach.