Bavaria CDU leader Merz stands as candidate for chancellor in German election 2025

The German sister parties CDU and CSU will go into the 2025 parliamentary elections with CDU leader Friedrich Merz as their candidate for chancellor. "The K-question has been decided. Friedrich Merz will do it. I am fine with it and expressly support it," said CSU leader Markus Söder in Berlin after a meeting with Merz.

Following the preliminary decision on the question of the chancellor candidacy, Merz believes that the Union - the name of the alliance of the two parties and their joint parliamentary group - is well equipped for the federal elections in a year's time. "We are well positioned, in terms of personnel, politics and organization. The CDU and CSU can now embark on a federal election campaign."

The final decision on the so-called K-question will be made by the CDU and CSU leadership committees next Monday. It can be assumed that they will approve the decision on Merz with a large majority. The CSU only exists in the German state of Bavaria.

Merz emphasized that the CDU/CSU wants to take over leadership responsibility in Germany again next year - "with a policy that brings Germany forward again, with a policy that allows the country to function again and with a policy that perhaps also allows us to be proud of our country, of Germany, again".

Leader in Berlin and leader in Bavaria

Söder emphasized that he supports Merz without any gnashing of teeth. "He has my full backing. And that, and this is important, is combined with a very high level of personal esteem," he said. "We are both in complete agreement." There is only one goal for the CDU/CSU, he said, and that is to "replace the traffic light and get Germany back on track". Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government of SPD, Greens and FDP is known as the "traffic light" because of its party colors.

He himself will remain chairman of the CSU and Minister President of Bavaria. This is the strongest formation of the CDU/CSU. "Friedrich Merz is the leader in Berlin, I will remain the leader in Bavaria." Söder said that they would submit this proposal jointly to the committees of both parties. He emphasized the unity of the CDU and CSU: "We are (...) completely together again for the first time. We no longer have any disputes. And that is simply good."

Migration and the economy as possible election campaign topics

Merz also outlined the CDU/CSU's election campaign line: "The topic of migration remains a major issue. However, I would also like to emphasize once again: It would be my wish that it does not become the main topic in the 2025 Bundestag election campaign." He would prefer to solve the issue together with the traffic light coalition.

Economic policy will be a key issue. "The economic situation in Germany is precarious," said Merz, referring to companies in crisis. The framework conditions in Germany must improve again so that the economy as a whole can get back on its feet. "In other words, we want to pursue an economic policy that builds on the successes of the Federal Republic of Germany in recent decades. The whole concept is called a social market economy."

SDA