Johann Wadephul: A stroke of luck for his party

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Foreign Minister Wadephul faced strong criticism from the CDU and CSU. The EU needs liberal Christians like him – especially if it wants to survive against the AfD.

November 12, 2025, 07:12

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Article summary

The European Union is struggling with its foreign minister, who is not taking the tough action expected on migration policy. Despite pressure from his own ranks, he maintained his humanitarian stance. Criticism of him grew harsher, but his party colleague, Friedrich Merz, remained loyal to him. The gap between empathy and political interests is dividing the party. However, Johann Wadephul can be an asset for the Union with his integrity.

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Johann Wadephul has been Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany (CDU) since May 2025.
© Juliane Sonntag/Photothek for the German Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs via/Getty Images

The Union finally returned to the State Department after nearly sixty years, but that didn’t make them happy. He has been arguing with his minister and his statements for months. CDU and the CSU wants to have a head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who is dashing and able to dispel feminist nonsense and benevolent sentiments. Instead, they got a wise chief diplomat who not only knows a lot about his profession, but also doesn’t leave his conscience to the locker room.

It’s difficult when the AfD beats you in the polls. You must be firm when it comes to migration policies. With pleasure still
a little more difficult. And then the Minister of Foreign Affairs stood on the outskirts of Damascus and did not hide his surprise at the destruction he saw there. The return of Syrian refugees, says Johann Wadephul, “is only possible to a very limited extent at the moment.” Because: “Hardly anyone can live with dignity here.”