Union: Söder: Friedrich Merz ist Kanzler und bleibt Kanzler

Munich - Bavarian CSU leader Markus Söder insists that Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz remains in office despite internal union turmoil following recent election results. Speaking on Bavarian television, Söder affirmed, "Friedrich Merz is Chancellor and will remain Chancellor." He emphasized that a chancellor change is only constitutionally permissible under "extreme" circumstances.

Söder also cautioned that if the Social Democratic Party (SPD) had nominated leftist candidates, a chancellor swap could potentially lead to a political impasse and even new elections should the Bundestag lack a majority.

Söder reaffirmed Merz's position, stating, "The Chancellor is in office," and added, "I'm comfortable being the Bavarian Minister-President." On nominating candidates for the outgoing Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier's successor, Söder hopes for a decision within weeks, while advocating for Ilse Aigner, the Landtagspräsidentin of Bavaria, as a potential contender.

Söder expressed optimism about settling matters by early October or November at the latest, emphasizing the need to address pressing issues following the shock of the elections. He called for leveraging the CDU/CSU's majority in the Bundesversammlung without relying on external support.

"We've said for a year now that we want a female candidate, and we've reiterated that repeatedly," Söder noted, praising Aigner for being an excellent choice. He expressed full backing for her, adding, "I hope very much that she becomes the Federal President." Söder concluded on a positive note, "I have her full support." Additionally, betting markets have speculated on the possibility of Merz's departure.