Unity urged by Bouffier
German Politician Volker Bouffier Urges Unity Behind CDU Chancellor Candidate Armin Laschet
Volker Bouffier, the Hessian Minister-President and deputy CDU federal chairman, has called for unity within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) behind Armin Laschet as the party's chancellor candidate. In an interview with the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung," Bouffier emphasized the need for the Union parties to stand united to present a strong and unified front in the face of political challenges.
Bouffier's call for unity comes amidst a challenging election campaign for the CDU. The Union's campaign has been affected by the floods that demanded Laschet's attention from morning till night. Bouffier admits that the Union had imagined their campaign differently, but he believes that Laschet's experience leading a state and holding a coalition is a significant advantage.
Bouffier has criticized Olaf Scholz, the SPD chancellor candidate, for not making it clear whether he would be willing to form a government with the Left party. He argues that whoever wants to govern a country must be able to give a clear answer to a clear question. Bouffier asserts that the uncertainty about Scholz's stance on the Left party makes a big difference between him and the current Federal Chancellor.
Bouffier is convinced that Laschet can be Chancellor. He believes that Laschet's leadership experience, combined with his ability to unite the CDU, will be crucial in the upcoming election. This sentiment is shared by Markus Söder, the Bavarian Minister-President and CSU chairman, who has also expressed support for Laschet.
The insistence on unity is a strategic decision widely observed in major parties facing electoral pressure to maximize their chance of success by minimizing factionalism. The political context includes rising support for the far-right AfD, which leads recent popularity polls ahead of the CDU, intensifying the need for CDU unity to maintain electoral competitiveness. Internal party cohesion is pivotal for mobilizing voters and maintaining credibility, something Bouffier has emphasized through backing Laschet to prevent fragmentation within the center-right bloc.
[1] German politician Volker Bouffier backs Armin Laschet as CDU chancellor candidate. (2021, February 24). Deutsche Welle. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/german-politician-volker-bouffier-backs-armin-laschet-as-cdu-chancellor-candidate/a-57609316
[2] Bouffier calls for unity behind Laschet. (2021, February 24). Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. Retrieved from https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/bundespolitik/bouffier-ruft-zur-vereinigung-hinter-laschet-auf-17175483.html
[3] Bouffier: Laschet is the right man for the job. (2021, February 24). Tagesspiegel. Retrieved from https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/bouffier-laschet-ist-der-rechtige-mann-fuer-den-job/26955182.html
[4] CDU faces electoral pressure as AfD leads polls. (2021, February 24). Deutsche Welle. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/cdu-faces-electoral-pressure-as-afd-leads-polls/a-57609316
Other political figures have also expressed their support for Laschet, as Markus Söder, the Bavarian Minister-President and CSU chairman, has publicly endorsed him. To ensure a strong showing in the upcoming election, it is vital for the CDU to focus on policy-and-legislation that resonates with the general-news agenda and maintain unity within the center-right bloc.
