the cdu had reached agreement on one decisive issue. many more remain. >> earlier, we spoke to our correspondent simon and asked about the problems the cdu is facing. >> you could call it an identity crisis. it has been overshadowed about protests and debate about what they really stand for, and the main problem is that many conservatives within the party feel after 10 years of angela merkel at the helm that they are no longer properly represented by the party. angela merkel, of course, in that time has moved her party much further to the left. in winning those new center ground voters, she has left many conservatives behind, and, incidentally, they are not likely to be that impressed by this decision today to abandon compulsory military service, but there is also this work going around that someone might be tempted to set up a new political party to the right of the christian democrats. polls suggest that could get some support, and if that happens, that could be a big headache for angela merkel. the cdu has its conservative credential