Söder announces 2028 re-election bid, defends Merz's reshuffle, and warns against AfD cooperation

2028 candidacy and local elections

Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder confirmed he will run again as the CSU's lead candidate in the 2028 state election. Speaking in the ZDF Sommerinterview from Tutzing am Starnberger See, he said his candidacy depends on party and voter support.

“If the party and the voters want it, yes, gladly.”

Söder dismissed the March local elections as a debacle, despite the CSU recording its worst result in 75 years. He argued the overall result matched previous elections and that some cities were won unexpectedly. He acknowledged uncertainty but insisted he is seen as the only figure who can hold the state together.

“I do that with a clear backbone and a clear contour.”

Defense of Merz's cabinet reshuffle

Söder backed Chancellor Friedrich Merz's handling of the recent cabinet reshuffle, triggered by Jens Spahn's resignation as Union parliamentary group leader over a controversial surrogacy. Thorsten Frei moved from Chancellery chief to parliamentary group leader, Health Minister Nina Warken became Chancellery chief, and CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann took over the health portfolio. The reshuffle hit a snag when Fritz Güntzler, tapped to replace Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder, backed out after initially agreeing.

Söder said the responsibility lay with Güntzler, not the chancellor, and added a conciliatory "Schwamm drüber" (let bygones be bygones). He praised Spahn's role in the coalition.

“The chancellor has to make decisions that are not easy at all.”

Rejection of AfD cooperation

Söder sharply contradicted Saxony's CDU premier Michael Kretschmer, who had told the Handelsblatt that those still talking about firewalls have not recognized the signs of the times. Söder warned the Union must not become a "stirrup holder" for the AfD and pave its way to power.

“I won't participate. I am fundamentally against it. I believe we must make politics for democracy, politics in the centre. And that is why the AfD does not belong.”

He cited the AfD's brutal rhetoric, calling the Union its main enemy, and said he cannot work with figures like Björn Höcke. He urged the CDU to govern in eastern states without the AfD.

“With such people, especially the people in the party and the leadership, Höcke and co., I cannot and will not work together.”

Response to Berlin CSD attack

Söder described the Christopher Street Day as a festival of freedom, tolerance, and joy of life, and said such events must not be surrendered to latent threats. He stressed that all large events are protected, but one must always remain concerned. He refrained from political point-scoring.

“I believe we must always be concerned. That's why all these festivals are protected.”

Presidential candidate suggestion

Söder named Bavarian state parliament president Ilse Aigner as a very good candidate for the federal presidency, calling her suitable for the role.