Berlin – Christine Carboni (51) has left her position as Head of Campaign and Mobilization for the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) following the party convention in Stuttgart in February 2026. Carboni had joined the CDU headquarters in Berlin in early 2024, initially with high expectations.
Departure Follows Disappointing Election Results
According to reports, Carboni is being held internally partially responsible for the CDU’s poor result of 28.6% in the Bundestag election last March. A key point of contention involved a disagreement with CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann (48) over the selection of an advertising agency for the campaign.
Carboni favored Serviceplan, but Linnemann ultimately chose fischerAppelt, an agency that was not initially in contention for the CDU budget. This decision reportedly delayed the campaign’s rollout of key materials, including its poster campaign.
Concerns Over Leadership and Team Management
Internally, Carboni faced criticism regarding her leadership experience and perceived lack of sensitivity when managing large teams. Some within the CDU considered her position as Head of Department to be beyond her current capabilities. Reports indicate that many within the CDU headquarters are relieved by her departure.
Despite the circumstances, Carboni has secured a new role as Managing Director for Association Development at the CDU Economic Council. Wolfgang Steiger (61), the General Secretary of the Economic Council, expressed enthusiasm about her appointment, stating she will contribute to better serving the organization’s growing membership.
The CDU officially stated that Carboni’s departure was at her own request, praising her work on previous European and Bundestag election campaigns, including the implementation of a data-driven digital campaign. The party characterized her move to the Economic Council as a logical step, allowing her to combine her experience in both business and politics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Christine Carboni’s role within the CDU?
Christine Carboni served as the CDU’s Head of Campaign and Mobilization, responsible for overseeing the party’s election campaigns.
What led to her departure from the CDU headquarters?
Her departure followed the CDU’s disappointing result in the Bundestag election and internal criticism regarding campaign strategy and her leadership style.
Where is Christine Carboni now employed?
She is now the Managing Director for Association Development at the CDU Economic Council.
Given the internal challenges and the CDU’s recent electoral performance, what adjustments might the party make to its campaign strategy and leadership structure moving forward?
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