Black -red federal government: Back on a big stage – Söder enjoys his new role

Markus Söder enjoys his new role. Since it is clear that the Union in the federal government can exchange the uncomfortable opposition role for the coveted places on the government bank, the Franke literally blooms. Although the coalition negotiations with the CDU and the SPD were anything but simple: with them the 58-year-old has finally stripped the tiredness that has been adhering to him since the failed candidacy (and just as vehemently). Also to hear when the coalition agreement was presented, as Söder for sentences such as “You will hear from me” received many laughs.

Almost exactly four years ago, Söder lost his greatest power struggle

Almost exactly four years ago, on April 20, 2021, Söder had given up with the then CDU leader Armin Laschet in power struggle – grinding teeth. He later spoke of a glass ceiling that denied the CSU politicians the candidacy for chancellor because the CDU’s willingness to compromise, as a big sister, also knows limits despite all the moods. Söder’s Secretary General Markus Blume at the time made him a “candidate of the hearts”. Söder subsequently retired to the lower realms of Bavaria, tingling through the beer tents and folk festivals of the Free State in an unprecedented manner.

Now Söder is back on the big stages

Now Söder is back on the big stages. In Germany, he has negotiated a very powerful role in the Union and SPD coalition committee, which prevents it from being overlooked in distant Bavaria: regularly, as monthly, the top body wants to meet. What is even more important: “The coalition parties will agree on the occupation of the coalition committee.” That means, Söder’s will is also extremely relevant for Chancellor Merz and government peace.

Söder is also in foreign policy – and here the Franconia came to the aid of a little chance – we call it an extended role in a expanded role. In hot India, Söder presents itself significantly more than federal but as a state politician. In this way, he not only speaks to the new coalition for more weapon exports – the free trade zone hoped for by the EU also makes Söder the core topic of his trip. Strategically formulated with reference to agreements with Merz and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (CDU).

The only downside: Because of a gastrointestinal infection, Söder has to cancel the trip before he can continue to the Bavarian partner province of Karnataka.

Söder is received “very unusual” in India

The trip was planned long before the government formation, but now it looks like the perfect stage for the new Söder. Word has long since got around in Delhi that he is more than a simple prime minister. His word has significantly more weight again, even if the new government is not yet in office and dignity.

This can be seen in India at lunch, which Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar aligns in his honor – and not somewhere, but in the Hyderabad House, the official guest house of the Indian Prime Minister. The fact that a Bavarian Prime Minister is received in this way is “very unusual”, according to diplomatic circles. With so much honor, it can be overturned for Söder that incumbent Narendra Modi does not receive him himself – after all, this Söder had also invited to India.

And the new Markus Söder is doing something else now

And the new Markus Söder, at least on this trip in India, deals with something else: Domitical discussions such as the debate about reducing income tax for small and medium -sized incomes to the middle of the legislature in an interview, he does not want to comment on when asked. Elsewhere in the CSU, it can be heard, the words “without any need” are not well received, after all, this was one of the Union’s most important promises. Not long ago, Söder would certainly not have pinched his comment here. Now he can be sure that his word is heard at a different time and without a large audience.