CDU opens new regional office in Meiningen: focus on proximity to citizens!

CDU opens new regional office in Meiningen: focus on proximity to citizens!

The CDU has opened a new regional office in the charming old town of Meiningen. This initiative is intended not only to strengthen political presence, but also to promote direct contact with citizens. The opening, attended by prominent members such as Bundestag member Christian Hirte, Silke Klör and Ralf Liebaug, marks an important step for the party in a region that has lost political influence in recent years. The CDU currently does not have a member of the Bundestag from the region, which is particularly important given the last state elections, in which the direct mandate went to the AfD. Michael Heym, a long-time MP, did not run again after 25 years and left a noticeable gap in the party.

With the new office, which is located in the Krick-Passage, Nonnenplan 7, the CDU is striving to be more present in the minds of citizens again. “We want to address people’s concerns and problems,” said Hirte, who has been a member of the German Bundestag since 2008 and will work as Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Transport from 2025. The political professional has an impressive career behind him: After studying law and working as a lawyer, he held various leadership positions within the CDU Thuringia and made a name for himself at the federal level.

Shepherd: From grassroots to prominence

Christian Hirte, born on May 23, 1976 in Bad Salzungen, joined the Junge Union in 1993 and has been a member of the CDU since 1995. Over the years, he has worked his way up from local politics to the top of the state party and was, among other things, chairman of the CDU Thuringia from 2020 to 2022. Despite the setback in the last elections, in which he lost the direct mandate to an AfD candidate, he remains a central figure in Thuringia's political landscape. He was able to represent the CDU in the Eisenach - Wartburgkreis - Unstrut-Hainich-Kreis constituency until 2021, and so the opening of the regional office is also a response to the challenges that lie ahead of the party.

The CDU offices are largely financed by elected officials, which means that the loss of seats has a direct impact on the structures. It is all the more important that the CDU now seeks contact with voters and responds more closely to their needs. “We have to make it clear that we are there for people and take their problems seriously,” emphasized Hirte at the opening.

A look ahead

Given the political landscape in Thuringia, where the AfD has become strong, it would be a smart move for the CDU to actively approach the citizens. The new office could be the key to gaining new sympathy and regaining lost trust. “People need to know that we are listening and are ready to find solutions,” said Hirte in an interview with local media.

In summary, it can be said that the opening of the regional office in Meiningen is not only a sign of a new beginning for the CDU, but also an important step towards revitalizing the political structures in the region. The challenges are great, but with a strong team and a clear focus on citizen concerns, this move could be the start of something big. The future will show how these ambitions develop in the next few months.

For further information about Christian Shepherd and his political career, visit the page Wikipedia.

For details on the opening of the regional office, please visit in southern Thuringia.