CSU boss Markus Söder.Image: keystone
In the ZDF “Summer Interview”, Markus Söder praises Friedrich Merz, takes a clear stance on the AfD and says which party colleague he would like to see as Federal President.
July 27, 2026, 01:33July 27, 2026, 01:35
Daniele Gambone / t-online
The “Summer Interview” with Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder, which was broadcast on Sunday evening as part of the ZDF program “Berlin Direkt”, was still very much under the impression of the attack on Christopher Street Day in Berlin.
The CSU boss expressed concern to journalist Wulf Schmiese and classified the alleged Islamist act as a “conscious attack on our country’s idea of freedom” that should not go unpunished. It is now important to fully clarify the background and support the victims.
Söder, who is generally known for exaggerations, refrained from any attempt to stir up controversy or gain political profit on this issue. He described the CSD as a festival of freedom, tolerance and joy of life, which should not be missed given the latent danger at major events. At the same time, the threat is taken seriously. «I think we always have to be worried. That’s why all these festivals are protected,” explained the Bavarian head of government.
Söder praises cabinet reshuffle
Even when the topic of the latest restructuring of the federal cabinet came up, the CSU politician was conspicuously loyal and keen on harmony. Chancellor Friedrich Merz even received express support for his decisions. “I think the first personnel details are very good, and also a strengthening overall,” emphasized Söder.
After Jens Spahn (CDU) resigned as Union parliamentary group leader due to a controversial surrogacy, the previous head of the Chancellery, Thorsten Frei (CDU), took over his post, while Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) moved to the head of the Chancellery and Carsten Linnemann, until then CDU General Secretary, took over the health department from her.
The greatest criticism of the Chancellor’s personnel management was caused by the fact that Fritz Güntzler (CDU), who was intended to replace Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU), decided against taking over the office after his original commitment. Söder defended Merz on this issue and saw the problem primarily with Güntzler. He should have thought about the matter beforehand. The responsibility here certainly does not lie with the Chancellor, emphasized the CSU chairman and added a conciliatory “Sponge over it”.
Söder had words of praise for Jens Spahn, who had just started the personnel carousel. This played an important and decisive role for the coalition, for example in the young Union rebels’ approval of the pension reform. Ultimately, Spahn’s decision must of course be respected, said Söder. The CDU politician was aware of the upheavals that surrogacy had caused. “I also spoke to him, but the final decision lies with the Chancellor,” explained Söder.
Party colleague should become Federal President
The Bavarian Prime Minister also took a clear position on another important personnel issue. Söder said he could very well imagine the “highly respected state parliament president” from Bavaria, Ilse Aigner (CSU), as Federal President. And not in order – as is sometimes assumed – to get rid of a promising competitor for the CSU candidacy in the next Bavarian state election in Berlin. “I think she would be a very good candidate. It would also bring something for Germany, and we Bavarians would be happy about it,” the CSU leader praised his party colleague. There is agreement within the Union that they want to nominate a woman. In addition, the SPD, as a coalition partner, also reacted positively to Aigner’s personality in this context, said Söder.
Regarding his own ambitions, Söder said that he intends to run again in the state elections in Bavaria in 2028. “If the party and the voters want that: yes, gladly,” he explained.
These plans are already causing discussions in Bavaria. The small ÖDP party would like to launch a referendum to limit the term of government of Bavarian Prime Ministers to two terms. If she were successful, Söder would not be able to run again. Interestingly, before he took office, he himself had spoken out in favor of limiting his term to two legislative terms, but has since moved away from this position.
Clear stance on the “firewall”
On the crucial “firewall” issue of how the Union parties deal with the AfD, the Bavarian head of government distanced himself from the recent statements of his Saxon counterpart Michael Kretschmer (CDU), who had shown himself willing to talk. “The AfD is developing more towards the extreme and not towards the middle,” said the CSU boss. She is pro-Russia and against Germany. The Christian Socialist was sure that opening the Union to the AfD would lead to a massive split in the Union.
According to Söder, the CDU and CSU could also play an extremely inglorious role in this case. “In the end, the AfD is number one. The Union would then be a kind of stirrup holder.” The 59-year-old made it clear that he would not take part in this. Instead, he wants to help keep the AfD in check “with a clear backbone and a clear contour.” Also in the “new states”, where his election campaign appearances are in high demand.