Internal divisions are fracturing the Christian Social Union (CSU) in Bavaria, as two former party leaders publicly rebuke current chairman Markus Söder’s strategy towards the Green Party and his broader political maneuvering. The criticisms, articulated in interviews with “Der Stern” magazine, highlight a growing disconnect between Söder’s approach and a significant portion of the CSU base, including younger members.
Horst Seehofer, a long-serving and influential figure within the CSU, accused Söder of making “strategic missteps” by adopting a hard-line stance against the Greens. He warned that attempting to broadly discredit the entire Green movement is a flawed tactic. This sentiment was echoed by Erwin Huber, another former party leader, who specifically criticized the 2023 coalition election campaign, arguing it inadvertently benefited the populist Free Voters party led by Hubert Aiwanger.
The core of the disagreement centers around the CSU’s approach to potential alliances. Huber’s advocacy for greater openness to collaboration across the political spectrum, particularly in the face of rising support for the far-right AfD, directly challenges Söder’s current strategy. He insisted on maintaining a robust firewall against the AfD while simultaneously advocating for keeping the door open to the Greens, a position that sharply contrasts with Söder’s frequently adopted populist rhetoric. Huber’s argument underscores a growing realization within the CSU that a rigid ideological stance could jeopardize the party’s ability to govern effectively, both in Bavaria and at the federal level.
The internal critique extends beyond the Green Party strategy, reflecting a wider discontent with Söder’s leadership and his prioritizing of certain political projects. Reports from a recent meeting of the CSU’s Young Union reveal a particularly vocal rejection of Söder’s direction, including a formal request to halt a proposed “mother’s pension” initiative. This signals a generational divide within the party and a growing willingness of younger members to openly challenge established leadership. The escalating tensions raise serious questions about the stability of Söder’s position and the future strategic direction of the CSU, placing him under increasing pressure to reassess his approach and address the mounting internal dissent.
