The Christian Social Union (CSU), Bavaria’s powerful sister party to the CDU, is signaling a sharp divergence from its coalition partners, the CDU and SPD, ahead of a key policy retreat in Seeon. A draft document prepared for CSU parliamentarians, obtained by POLITICO, reveals a strategy of assertive self-positioning and a direct challenge to the current government’s direction.
The document highlights perceived discrepancies in approaches to law and order, immigration and economic policy. It contrasts the CSU’s focus on tangible security improvements with what it portrays as a more abstract approach from other parties. Specifically, the draft pushes back against the slogan “no one is illegal” advocating for the enforced departure of individuals without legal residency, a stance likely to provoke considerable debate. Similarly, it criticizes what the CSU sees as “ideological decline” hindering economic prosperity and individual freedoms.
Central to the CSU’s emerging narrative is a self-defined role as a stabilizing force and a vital engine within the governing coalition. The party claims to be the “political voice of reason” presenting itself as a bulwark against instability and a proactive problem-solver – contrasting their actions with what they characterize as others’ reliance on societal challenges.
The document also laments a deepening crisis of trust in German democracy, attributing it to the challenging economic climate and the divisions fostered during the “traffic light” coalition’s tenure. The CSU emphasizes the expectation from European partners that Germany must actively lead and reinforce peace, freedom and security alongside its allies, rather than succumbing to internal stagnation.
A particularly contentious element within the draft is the CSU’s declared intention to prioritize the concerns of the majority population, asserting that democratic decision-making should not be dictated by “ideological minorities”. This statement implicitly criticizes progressive viewpoints and suggests a shift towards a more conservative policy agenda.
The CSU’s rhetoric is framed as the beginning of a “comeback” for Germany, implying a reassertion of traditional values and a rejection of what they view as detrimental liberal policies. This positioning is likely to further strain the already fragile coalition dynamics and potentially reshape the political landscape in Germany, signaling a move towards a more assertive and potentially divisive Bavarian approach at the federal level.