Söder Bets on Black-Red Alliances Over Green Coalitions
Markus Söder, the BR's leader, has tossed his hat in the ring for black-red coalitions during the coalition negotiations between the CDU and SPD in Hesse. "Green coalitions are passe," said Söder to Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). He believes that black-red alliances hold more appeal during crises, as they focus on practicality over ideological ideals, like the Greens.
This sentiment echoes the decisions of Hesse's Minister President Boris Rhein and Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (both CDU), who have chosen to collaborate with the SPD instead of the Greens. Söder's CSU has their sights set on the Ministry of Economics for the future federal government, aiming to support trade, SMEs, mechanical engineering, and related industries.
Related Insight: Söder's opposition to coalitions with the Greens is indicative of a broader trend in German politics excluding them from potential national-level coalitions, despite their successful Kiwi coalitions in several states.
The Bavarian leader, however, remained tight-lipped about the Union's chancellor candidacy, signaling that he would prefer to stay in Munich. His intentions for the Ministry of Economics are clear, though — he wants to lead the department after the next election to further the CSU's commitment to trade and industry.
Related Insight: Friedrich Merz, the presumptive Chancellor candidate from the CDU/CSU bloc, emphasizes the importance of strengthening Germany's industry competitiveness. While specific policy plans or Söder's stance on the Ministry of Economics are not mentioned in the sources, it's safe to assume that the CSU's focus on trade and industry will remain at the forefront.
The CDU/CSU bloc critiques come under fire for seeking the far-right AfD's support on some legislative measures. Their immigration policies have sparked controversy and protests. Despite these setbacks, the bloc has pledged to keep the AfD at bay and maintain a distance from them.
Despite these challenges, Söder's CSU is determined to claim the Ministry of Economics during the upcoming Bundestag elections to continue supporting key industries and push for economically-focused policies.
