Söder's Firm Stance for Merz and Against Coalition with Greens

At the CSU party convention in Augsburg, Markus Söder pledged unwavering support for CDU leader Friedrich Merz as the potential chancellor candidate in the upcoming Bundestag elections. Söder emphasized a unified front between the CSU and CDU to oust current Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Reflecting on past election tensions, Söder promised no internal conflicts, unlike during the 2021 campaign with Armin Laschet.

Söder explicitly ruled out coalition possibilities with the Greens and Sahra Wagenknecht's BSW, suggesting such alignments would weaken the Union's position. He criticized the Greens as unsuitable for governance, labeling a Black-Green alliance as a 'dead horse.' Söder also dismissed collaboration with the BSW, associating it with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Instead, the CSU seeks to claim the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, a portfolio historically held by Bavarians, emphasizing regional interests in the next government. Additionally, Söder called for the reimplementation of conscription, citing growing global conflicts as justification.

Söder's strategy narrows coalition options for the CDU/CSU post-election, as the Union also rules out the AfD. Current polls indicate the SPD as the only viable partner, should Merz lead the next government. Söder advocates a shift in migration policy, promising new directions under a potential Merz administration.

Firmly preparing for possible early elections, Söder declared the CSU ready to address economic and migration crises, challenging the current 'clinically dead' coalition. He envisions a robust government led by Merz, asserting that Germany needs a strong, clear-headed leadership to navigate ongoing challenges.