Prepared for the Position of Chancellor in the South
Markus Söder, the head of the CSU and Bavarian Minister-President, has revealed his willingness to seek the chancellorship for the Union. He stated, "For me, being a Minister-President is the most fulfilling role, but I wouldn't back down from taking on the responsibility of leading our nation." The impending decision will likely involve him and CDU leader Friedrich Merz.
In 2021, Söder lost the Union's internal power struggle for the chancellor candidacy to Armin Laschet. Söder assured that such a confrontation wouldn't happen again, stating, "It will definitely be different this time." He explained, "It was just the wrong candidate back then." Laschet subsequently lost the federal election to Olaf Scholz, the current federal chancellor.
Addressing Union supporters at the Gillamoos folk festival, Söder emphasized his unity with Merz. "It's not about who does it, but what comes out of it in the end." The parties are expecting to clarify the chancellor candidacy for the upcoming federal election soon. It is anticipated that Merz will claim the chancellor candidacy for himself.
In regard to the state elections in Thuringia and Saxony, Söder criticized the federal government harshly. He declared, "The traffic light coalition hasn't just lost; it's in ruins." Söder viewed the election results as a necessary reminder. He claimed, "The Berlin coalition of SPD, Greens, and FDP is finished. The best thing for the country would be for this traffic light to cease, and the federal chancellor to step down."
The Union might consider approaching The Commission for potential changes in the European Union's political landscape, given Söder's and Merz's discussions regarding the chancellor candidacy. Söder, in his criticism of the federal government, suggested that the current federal chancellor should step down, hinting at a potential shift in power.
