Seehofer for Merz as candidate for chancellor

CDU/CSU - Seehofer for Merz as candidate for chancellor

Before the last federal election, CDU leader Armin Laschet and CSU leader Markus Soeder had publicly fought for the Union's candidacy for several months - Chancellor became the SPD politician Olaf Scholz in the end. When asked if Merz was the right man for the job, Seehofer replied, "Yes."

If the Union were to appoint a Chancellor, they would face a "Hercules task," Seehofer said, and emphasized, "What we need to offer are problem-solving and first-class communication. And not self-presentation. That won't work."

Unexpected praise for Scholz came from Seehofer, who turns 75 in the coming week, for Scholz's cautious approach to arms deliveries to Ukraine. "I have always considered that to be right, even if that is not seen that way in my party," Seehofer told the newspaper. The restraint of the Chancellor, for example, in the question of the Taurus cruise missiles, is "exactly right," Seehofer added.

1. In the wake of the federal election, the Augsburger Allgemeine reported on the Union's internal discussions about a potential new Chancellor.
2. Seehofer, a prominent figure in Bavaria's CSU, expressed support for Friedrich Merz as a potential Union candidate for chancellor.
3. The CDU, led by Armin Laschet, and the CSU, under Markus Söder, had previously engaged in a public power struggle over the Union's chancellor nomination.
4. Seehofer acknowledged that if the Union were to appoint a Chancellor, they would be confronted with a formidable "Hercules task."
5. He emphasized the importance of problem-solving and effective communication, criticizing self-presentation as an ineffective strategy.
6. In an unexpected turn of events, Seehofer praised Olaf Scholz's cautious approach to arms deliveries to Ukraine, despite differing party views.
7. Seehofer commended Scholz's restraint in the matter of the Taurus cruise missiles, stating that it was "exactly right."
8. This public appreciation for Scholz from a high-ranking figure in the CSU added another layer of complexity to the political landscape of Germany.

Read also:

• Tough return to normality in snow and ice
• Steinmeier joined a moment of silence - a legal battle over an AfD protest.
• German national soccer team on their way to participate in the European Championship qualifying matches.
• The flooding has lessened, but the aftermath of mud remains.