Prominent party members, including Saxony-Anhalt’s Minister-President Sven Schulze and Federal Minister Katherina Reiche, have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of the 2045 target, citing economic concerns and advocating for a potential shift to a 2050 timeline. This internal conflict has intensified following a recent proposal to redefine climate neutrality goals, which some party factions view as an admission of prior misjudgment. Despite these challenges, CDU leadership, including party chairman Friedrich Merz, maintains a commitment to the original climate objectives, emphasizing the importance of innovation and competitiveness in achieving these goals.