In a move that has sparked controversy, the leader of the Christian Social Union (CSU), Markus Söder, has publicly backed the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) candidate Friedrich Merz, a hardliner on asylum policies, in his bid to reform the country’s asylum laws. Söder’s statement, published in the Rhineland Post, emphasized the need for a drastic change in migration policy, claiming that inaction only strengthens extremist parties.
The CSU chief criticized the government’s statements as “weak and toothless” suggesting that the Chancellor’s reluctance to take a stance has inadvertently given a platform to the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). Söder argued that the Union is determined to prevent a similar outcome in Germany, citing the negative consequences of similar policies in other European countries.
Söder also lamented the federal government’s failure to address the concerns of the states, stating that the government has ignored the pressing issues at hand. He drew parallels between the recent attacks in Germany and the lack of meaningful reforms, citing the examples of Aschaffenburg, Mannheim, Solingen and Magdeburg.
In a direct rebuke of Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Söder stated that the Chancellor’s words of concern are insufficient and that it is now time for action. The Bavarian Minister-President also expressed his full support for Friedrich Merz, describing the need for a new era of decisiveness and action.