Support for the Chancellor candidate is widespread
Markus Söder, the leader of the Christian Social Union (CSU), has emphasized the importance of a determined campaign for the Union's chancellor candidate, stressing that both the person and program need acceptance from both the party and the broader population.
In a recent statement, Söder warned the Thuringian CDU against nominating former constitutional protection president Hans-Georg Maaßen, stating that it would send a difficult signal. The potential candidacy of Maaßen in constituency 196 has caused great consternation within the Union. It is still unclear whether there may be other candidates apart from Maaßen.
Söder called for a campaign that is not just about representing the status quo, but about hope for the future and combating old-fashioned or tired perceptions. He outlines the key features of an election program, stating that the Greens are likely to be the main opponent and that the Union must offer a program combining a modern societal image with competent and serious governance.
The responsible local associations in Thuringia will discuss the further procedure and a date for clarifying the candidacy in the coming days. The Union's election program is outlined to combine a modern societal image with competent and serious governance.
Markus Söder has been leading in polls over his rival Armin Laschet for months. Söder, a prominent figure of the CSU, has extensive political experience, including as Bavaria's Minister of Finance and Minister-President. He has played important roles in both Bavarian and federal-level politics.
Given typical political dynamics and Söder’s CSU background, it is plausible that his program would aim to assert a conservative and pragmatic platform, focusing on security, economic strength, and Bavaria’s interests, to contrast with the Greens’ emphasis on climate policy and progressive social issues. However, precise and updated details on Söder's program and his strategic positioning against the Greens in the 2025 election can be found in official campaign releases or recent news sources.
Söder continues to emphasize the importance of fighting right-wing extremism, particularly the Alternative for Germany (AfD). He stresses the importance of fighting right-wing extremism for both the CDU and CSU, and resists anti-democratic forces, particularly the AfD.
The current Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has taken a hard stance on immigration and asylum policies, emphasizing border control, restricting naturalization, and tightening deportation procedures. Merz's policies exemplify the conservative, security-focused wing of the Union (CDU/CSU).
As the race for the German chancellorship in 2025 heats up, Söder's determination and focus on a modern, competent, and hopeful Union are clear. The coming days will bring more clarification on the Union's candidate and election program.
Other political dynamics indicate that Markus Söder, given his CSU background, may advocate for a conservative and pragmatic policy-and-legislation platform. This could potentially include a focus on security, economic strength, and Bavaria’s interests, as a contrast to the Greens’ emphasis on climate policy and progressive social issues.
In light of rising right-wing extremism, Markus Söder continues to highlight the need for a strong stance against the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and resisting anti-democratic forces, underlining this as a priority for both the CDU and CSU.
