The article analyzes the mutual influence of conservatism and right-wing populism in Germany in the period after 2005. The evolution of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) towards the center led to a clearing of space on the right flank of German politics for populist forces, as well as to intra-party confrontation between its progressive and conservative fractions. The internal party struggle, which was one of the reasons for the defeat of the Conservatives in the 2021 federal elections, continues after Angela Merkel’s departure from politics. The implementation of right-wing populists in the political system of Germany poses a serious threat to the internal stability of German conservative parties and creates risks of political crises at the regional level. The progressive fraction of the CDU will advocate the creation of broad coalitions, including with the Left Party, to resist the nationalists, while the conservative fraction would prefer to break the taboo and cooperate with the Alternative for Germany (AfD). The potential threat of a split is a serious challenge for the CDU. In what direction the evolution of the German Christian Democrats will go is still unclear, however, the implementation of right-wing populists in the political system of Germany undoubtedly has a great influence on the evolution of the German party system.