Markus Söder, the head of the CSU, praised Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) for his approach to foreign policy. Speaking at the CDU federal conference in Stuttgart on Saturday, Söder described Merz as our “trump when it comes to Trump” adding that the chancellor gives Europe fresh hope and strength. He also lauded Merz’s leadership qualities, saying that Germany needs a “compass” in uncertain times.
At the same time, Söder criticized the foreign‑policy direction of the previous traffic‑light coalition, which he deemed too moralistic and preachy. He called for a stronger advocacy of Europe’s and Germany’s interests and sharply criticized the political left as “anti‑American” accusing them of hypocrisy for complaining about U.S. tariffs after having previously derailed the disputed TTIP free‑trade agreement.
Söder applauded the close and excellent cooperation with the sister party and praised the unity within the Union. Looking ahead to the March state elections in Rhineland‑Palatinate and Baden‑Württemberg, he called for a “new beginning” and criticized the current coalitions. He declared that the “whole traffic‑light nonsense” in Rhineland‑Palatinate should end and that in Baden‑Württemberg black should once again lead green, calling this the “normal order of things”.