In the midst of the election campaign, CSU leader Markus Söder emphasized the unity of the Union parties. “There’s no room for vanity” he said at the CDU federal party convention in Berlin on Monday.
It’s only through joint efforts, Söder stressed, pointing out that CSU members in the Bundestag have consistently given “100 percent approval” to Union motions.
At the same time, Söder warned of the growing influence of right-wing populists, similar to those in many neighboring countries. “Weimar was not an isolated event, but a long, gradual process” he said, emphasizing the need for a “new direction for Germany.”
Söder rejected any cooperation with the AfD, calling the right-wing party’s program a “destruction of all economic hopes.” He also questioned the character of AfD politicians, saying they are not “morally fit” for government positions.
The CSU leader also criticized the government parties, labeling the Greens as “automobile haters” and describing the nomination of Robert Habeck as a “hubris.” He also criticized Chancellor Olaf Scholz, saying he has never shown emotions in the three years of the coalition government. “Olaf Scholz is not suitable to lead our country further” Söder stated.
The party convention in the capital is primarily aimed at launching the final phase of the Bundestag election campaign for the Union. A programmatic speech by the party leader and chancellor candidate, Friedrich Merz, is scheduled to follow Söder’s address. Earlier, the party had already approved its “immediate program” which would be implemented in the event of a Union victory in the election.