A German political scientist, Albrecht von Lucke, views the “Bayern Agenda” of the Christian Social Union (CSU) as a new solo act by the sister party of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its leader, Markus Söder. “The CSU, and especially Markus Söder, are once again playing on their own terms” said von Lucke to the Rheinische Post (Tuesday edition). “Söder is escalating the competition with the CDU by setting a high bar in the migration policy debate.”
Von Lucke specifically highlighted Söder’s far-reaching demands in migration policy, which he believes will put CDU’s chancellor candidate, Friedrich Merz, in a difficult position during future government formation. “The CSU’s demand to shrink the asylum right from an individual right to an objective guarantee will not be compatible with any of the potential coalition partners” the political scientist explained.
According to von Lucke, Söder’s primary goal is to increase his own success. “Namely, a strong result for the CSU in Bavaria, even if it brings problems or even percentage point losses for the Union as a whole” the editor of the Blätter für deutsche und internationale Politik emphasized.
The CSU has presented its own election program, the “Bayern Agenda” for the 2025 German federal election.