Former Cologne Mayor Fritz Schramma Quits CDU, Cites Party Dysfunction
Table of Contents
A veteran politician’s dramatic departure from Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is exposing deep fissures within the Cologne branch of the party. Fritz Schramma, the city’s former mayor, has announced his resignation, a move swiftly followed by his wife and daughter, signaling a profound loss of faith in the CDU’s current direction.
Schramma’s decision stems from dissatisfaction with the aftermath of September’s local elections, which he described as “catastrophic” in remarks to the Kölnischer Rundschau. The CDU failed to achieve its primary goals of becoming the largest faction and securing the position of Lord Mayor.
“Night-and-Fog Action” Fuels Discontent
Instead of addressing the electoral shortcomings, Schramma alleges that faction leader Bernd Petelkau and managing director Niklas Kienitz engaged in a swift and secretive re-election process the morning after the results were announced – a “night-and-fog action,” as he termed it. This perceived lack of accountability ignited his resolve to leave the party.
“I simply won’t put up with this anymore,” Schramma stated, emphasizing the absence of self-reflection or criticism within the CDU despite the disappointing election outcome. He framed his exit not as a personal resignation, but as a call to action for younger party members to demand change. “I no longer have the strength to get involved in this to a great extent,” he added.
Shocking Dismissal and Leadership Concerns
Schramma also voiced strong objections to the unexpected removal of Mayor Ralph Elster during a recent meeting, deeming it a display of poor judgment. “It’s all a matter of style,” he asserted. “I also don’t understand how the party chairwoman allows this to happen.”
He was referring to Serap Güler, a member of the German Parliament, whom Schramma believes is ill-suited for the role of party chairwoman due to her extensive commitments in Berlin and abroad. “You can’t do that if you’re sitting in Berlin and even traveling the world,” he stated bluntly.
“The Fish Stinks From the Head”
Schramma’s critique extends to a broader systemic issue within the CDU, alleging that the party base is routinely ignored. “There are many people who would like to contribute, but they simply don’t get a chance because the old system at the top is so entrenched,” he explained. He summarized the situation with a stark metaphor: “The fish stinks from the head.”
He accused current party members of prioritizing personal gain over genuine service. “The boys and girls are still only doing it to secure their own perks,” Schramma lamented. “I don’t want to be a part of that, it’s no longer my party.” This sentiment ultimately led to his final decision to sever ties with the CDU.
This is not the first instance of Schramma publicly distancing himself from the party leadership. In 2021, he relinquished his honorary chairmanship of the Cologne CDU in protest over the role of then-party and faction leader Bernd Petelkau in a dispute over appointments to the city’s public utilities.
.
