Söder seeks clear direction from Merz at CSU convention

German Chancellor and CDU leader Friedrich Merz is due to address the CSU party convention in Munich on Saturday. CSU leader Markus Söder said he expects Merz to make clear where he sees Germany heading, BR reported.

Delegates unanimously adopted the convention’s lead motion on Saturday morning, titled “Closer to people: for a citizen-focused and down-to-earth Bavaria.” CSU Secretary-General Martin Huber said the party wanted to renew the social market economy’s promise of prosperity and opportunity. The motion calls for affordable housing, less bureaucracy, good care and medical services in rural areas, and support for families.

Merz’s speech, scheduled for midday, is the main event of the convention’s second day. Söder said on Friday that the times were “really difficult” and that he expected Merz to set out a clear course for Germany. He also called for a clear signal against what he described as the AfD’s “blue wave,” a “red front” taking shape in Berlin, and demonstrations that, he said, the Left had announced plans to bring from France. Söder said the CDU and CSU needed to stand together.

Delegates and observers are also watching to see whether Merz addresses the question of who should be nominated for federal president. Söder renewed his support on Friday for Ilse Aigner, president of the Bavarian state parliament, saying an Aigner presidency “would be a great thing.” He has also acknowledged that the decision will be made elsewhere.

Merz has not yet backed a candidate. Media reports on Friday said some CDU leaders opposed committing to Aigner and believed the party should nominate its own candidate. Merz and Söder are expected to agree on a joint proposal in the coming weeks.