He was not allowed to become a candidate for chancellor – but Markus Söder still wants to have a say in federal politics in the future. At the party conference in Augsburg he made it clear what was important to him.
After his defeat in the duel for the Union’s candidacy for chancellor, CSU leader Markus Söder drew the lines for the upcoming federal election campaign at the party conference in Augsburg. The Bavarian Prime Minister advocates a stricter migration policy with an upper limit for asylum seekers and rejections at the borders. He also once again directed sharp words towards the federal government. He once again ruled out collaboration with the Greens at the federal level. “Black-green is a dead horse,” said Söder.
With such an option, the Union would fall well below 30 percent, he warned. “Of course we talk to everyone – but forming a coalition is something different,” said Söder. “The Greens are an important part of our democracy – for the opposition, but not for the government.” The Greens failed the government test.
BSW also not an option: “Socialist Club”
Söder was just as clear about working with the Sahra Wagenknecht alliance (BSW). On site – i.e. in the countries – they don’t want to persuade anyone. But Söder added: “For us, at the federal level, there is actually an incompatibility with this old socialist club.” Russian President Vladimir Putin is “at the table” at the BSW.
Regarding the AfD, Söder said that it had to be weakened and made superfluous with a different policy. He once again rejected a banning procedure at the Federal Constitutional Court in Karlsruhe, saying that perpetrators should not be turned into victims.
CSU is already ready for the election campaign
In his keynote speech lasting more than an hour, the Bavarian Prime Minister called for new elections as soon as possible. A federal election before the actually planned date in a year would be the more honest solution, said the CSU party leader. The traffic light government must be replaced. “We are ready to take over government in Berlin,” emphasized Söder.
He had already emphasized that the organizational requirements for the election campaign were in place and that, from the CSU’s perspective, it could get started. “The traffic lights have to go, they are responsible for Germany’s decline.”
The CSU leader asserted a claim to the Ministry of Agriculture for his party. “Actually, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture finally belongs in our hands again,” said the Bavarian Prime Minister. The CSU politicians have headed this department several times in the history of the federal government, most recently from 2005 to 2018.
No argument with Merz
In 2021 there was a turning point in the CSU; after the Corona crisis and the Union’s defeat in the federal election, the party fought its way out of the crisis, said Söder. The CSU is now standing at around 40 percent in surveys. Söder demonstrated unity with the CDU and the Union candidate for chancellor Friedrich Merz.
A scenario like 2021, when Söder’s statements about the then Union candidate Armin Laschet were seen by many as one of the reasons for the CDU and CSU’s election defeat, will not repeat itself. “There will be no arguments and no disputes: we will send Olaf Scholz into retirement together,” said Söder.
Fundamental change of course in migration policy
In terms of content, Söder wants to set stricter standards, especially when it comes to migration policy. After the experiences of 2015 and 2016, many people still doubt whether the Union really wants to implement a new beginning. He calls out to them: “Yes, we are serious, yes, we are serious.” Germany needs a fundamental change of course in migration policy. Most recently, he had repeatedly spoken out in favor of a change to the fundamental right to asylum.
On Saturday, the delegates at the party conference in Augsburg want to adopt three key motions, including on migration policy and security policy. A speech by CDU party leader and Union candidate for chancellor Friedrich Merz is also planned for Saturday. The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, spoke to the delegates on Friday evening.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
