We use cookies to improve our service for you. You can find more information in our data protection declaration.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel's favoured successor has found herself in the middle of a storm over free speech. CDU leader Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer had floated the idea of new rules to control online media comment around elections.
Send Facebook Twitter google+ Whatsapp Tumblr linkedin stumble Digg reddit Newsvine
Permalink https://p.dw.com/p/3JMio
The head of Germany's CDU is facing a backlash after suggesting there should be "rules" for influential online bloggers during election campaigns. Thousands signed a petition calling for an end to attacks on free speech.
A day and a half of policy and leadership debates resulted in Germany's largest party plotting out a united path into the post-Merkel era. But it remains unclear who it will choose to run for the chancellorship.
Germany's political establishment has not adapted to the pivot to politics by social media stars. The failure to tune in to younger generations was likely a reason why mainstream parties lost significant votes last week.
The head of Germany's conservative CDU party wants to hold a debate on whether opinions expressed online ahead of elections should face regulation. The idea has sparked an outcry, with critics warning of censorship.