In Berlin on Friday, the prime ministers of Bavaria and Hesse, together with the CDU chair of Baden‑Württemberg, announced the creation of a “Three Lions Alliance”. The goal of the alliance is to strengthen inter‑regional cooperation in the Bundesrat and to allow the three southern states to hold joint cabinet meetings.
Markus Söder, the CSU leader and Bavarian prime minister, warned that the South German states have not coordinated closely enough in recent years. He criticized the Länderfinanzausgleich, describing it as collapsed and likening it to a “citizen’s allowance within the financial system”. Söder called the transfer system “a chaotic mess” and noted that Bavaria alone spends nearly €12 billion-an unprecedented amount. He urged a reform of the system to achieve a fairer balance of payments. The alliance would also promote cutting‑edge technologies such as quantum computing and robotics, and deepen collaboration in education, research and development, with the aim of expanding the economic strength of the southern states and accelerating innovation.
Manuel Hagel, the CDU’s candidate for the Baden‑Württemberg premiership, emphasized that Germany is under pressure from rising energy, bureaucracy and tax costs. He urged policymakers to decide whether to look back at the past or forward. Hagel said the “Three Lions Alliance” would help preserve jobs and strengthen the economy, noting that more than 40 % of Germany’s GDP originates from the three states and that 70 % of patent applications come from these regions.
