CSU's Unity Push for Merz's Chancellorship Bid

The CSU is setting the stage for a unified front as it backs CDU's Friedrich Merz for the chancellorship. At its party conference in Augsburg, the CSU aims to showcase solidarity and clarity, avoiding past tensions with its sister party, the CDU. CSU leader Markus Söder and Merz will make keynote speeches, emphasizing the party's alignment on key issues.

The conference will focus on three primary policy areas. In foreign and defense policy, the CSU expresses support for NATO, Israel, and Ukraine, while reiterating calls to reinstate conscription and develop a drone army. On migration, the CSU advocates for reducing asylum applications to below 100,000 annually and supports deportations to Syria and Afghanistan.

Economically, the CSU pushes for subsidies for electric vehicles and criticizes Federal Minister Robert Habeck, a potential Greens candidate, as detrimental to German industries. The CSU firmly rejects a coalition with the Greens, although internal disagreements may arise, as not all party members align with this stance.

While the CSU aims for unity, the potential for future disputes with the CDU lingers, especially regarding coalition possibilities. Merz's less categorical stance on a coalition with the Greens contrasts with Söder's firm opposition. This divergence suggests that despite the conference's theme of unity, uncertainties remain about the parties' collective direction post-election.