CSU boss Söder speaks of a “challenge for democracy”

AfD, Left and cost of living Söder speaks of a “challenge for democracy” as of October 23, 2026 • 9:45 p.m

CSU boss Söder sees democracy facing major challenges. He also demanded financial relief for the population. Something has to happen, emphasized the Bavarian Prime Minister in an interview with Tagesthemen.

The Union has recently been doing poorly in surveys nationwide. In the DeutschlandTrend it even reached historic lows. In Bavaria, however, the CSU is still ahead - albeit at a disadvantage.

When asked about the Union's weak performance among young voters, CSU leader Markus Söder referred to a challenge for democracy as a whole. “It would be too easy to claim that it is difficult for a party,” said Söder in an interview with Tagesthemen.

With regard to the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt, he spoke of “extremists”; he called the left in Berlin “radical groups” and wanted to do something to counter them. “We are sending a clear signal about openness, about high-tech, about the future, and no debt, especially for young people,” said Söder.

At the start of the CSU party conference, party leader Söder takes on the Left and the AfD. more

At the same time, Söder criticized the high cost of living. In his view, there are not enough savings in areas where changes have already been made. As an example, he cited the switch from citizens' money to basic security. The CSU boss criticized that the costs in the area of ​​migration have not fallen despite the decline in illegal migration. “That can’t be right,” emphasized Söder. In these areas we need another cash collapse.

There also needs to be a signal for relief, for example with cold progression or the electricity tax. "Something has to happen, otherwise the vast majority of the population won't go along." In view of the high cost of living, Söder demanded: "We have to form a coalition with the people. We have to listen to the people and not talk past the people."

Lower the electricity tax, cap fuel costs: it is believed that the federal government has the leeway. more

With a view to the upcoming election of a successor to Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier next year, Söder once again spoke out in favor of his CSU party colleague Ilse Aigner. She is a “very good candidate” for the highest state office. "A personality with heart, with mind and with experience."

At the same time, Söder advocated that "the three party leaders of the coalition - CDU, CSU and SPD - make a proposal together."

Markus Söder, CSU chairman, "Challenge for democracy very, very big" tagesthemen, Das Erste, October 23, 2026 • 9:45 p.m. CSU Markus Söder This topic in the program: Das Erste | daily topics | Oct 23, 2026 | 9:45 p.m