CSU-Parteitag: Merz beschwört Zusammenhalt mit CSU – Kein Wort zur P-Frage

Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz urged unity between the two Union parties at the CSU Party Congress, promising they would need to fight together to remain the strongest political force in Germany. At a 700- delegate Munich conference hall, he urged them to "struggle" but avoided comment on the CSU's proposal to make Bavarian Landtag President Ilse Aigner the next Federal President, despite greeting her with kisses.

Merz welcomed Aigner, who kissed him back, before launching into his speech. He referred to her immediately after CSU leader Markus Söder, who received a standing ovation. Aigner had to rise again to greet the crowd, just like Söder the day before when Söder proposed her for the federal presidency. Merz said the decision would "elsewhere" and Söder called it "a fantastic thing."

The CDU leadership had tried to restrain the CSU before the party congress. "The CDU has not given up on nominating a candidate," said sources. Merz was greeted warmly by delegates and celebrated with nearly four minutes of applause, as much as for Söder the day before. Söder accompanied him with "Eye of the Tiger," the iconic theme from the 1982 Rocky III film, played live by a Bavarian brass band.

Merz thanked them for the warm welcome. CSU party congresses are always special, Merz said, "You can feel it with the music this morning." He joked with Söder, "But Markus, when we stood at the entrance, they were still playing I love you Baby – that would be a little too much of a good thing." Merz acknowledged the Union is in a difficult situation, there is no exclusive claim to the chancellorship.

Both CDU and CSU must stand closer together than ever to keep extremists out of power, he said. Extremists on both sides would always have a ruthless opponent in the Union, Merz emphasized. Freedom must always prevail over extremism. Therefore, cooperation with the AfD must be excluded. Anyone who thinks they can give these people their vote has no place in our Union.

Merz praised Söder, the CSU leader who speaks clearly and fights for the Union's convictions and all CSU federal ministers individually – Alexander Dobrindt (Interior), Dorothee Bär (Research) and Alois Rainer (Agriculture). The CSU described the CSU as a "special type of double" of the CDU. "We have something that ties us together.

We have above all the awareness that we are stronger together than alone." Merz reiterated the need to quickly implement the reform package started in July. "We, the Union, will be judged on whether we have succeeded in putting these reforms in motion." He also expected the SPD to quickly implement these reforms. He reaffirmed the goal of reducing Germany's energy costs next year for all consumers.

"If somehow possible, and I think it is, the electricity tax must go down so people can have more money in their pockets," Merz said.