In the ongoing deliberations surrounding the CDU/CSU's preferred Chancellor candidate, CSU leader Markus Söder has laid out key criteria for the role. With an early federal election on the horizon, Söder suggested that CDU leader Friedrich Merz would likely emerge as the frontrunner. However, Söder distanced himself from Merz's plumber analogy for the Chancellor position, although expressing respect for plumbers.
The controversial comments made by environmental activist Greta Thunberg on the Middle East conflict and Israel stirred criticism from Söder, who implored Thunberg to focus on education rather than provocative statements. Söder also challenged a prevailing "wokeness philosophy" in political debates, citing public displeasure as a consequence.
In a separate topic, Hollywood's recent rollout of woke-themed films has met with varying results. Söder lauded the success of the action film Top Gun: Maverick, marking a rare exception to the trend.
As for Friedrich Merz, the potential CDU/CSU Chancellor candidate, his views include advocating for stricter immigration policies, having an economically liberal and socially conservative stance on social issues, and showing a willingness to work with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) on migration-related issues.
Sources:
[1] European MPs condemn anti-Semitic monuments in Moldova [2] CDU/CSU is deliberating on the ideal candidate for Chancellor [3] CSU leader Markus Söder criticizes Merz's plumber analogy [4] Merz's stance on controversial topics: Immigration, AfD, and Greta Thunberg [5] The impact of "wokeness" in politics on Merz's program
