Merz cheered for welcoming Aigner at the CSU party conference

CSU party conference Merz cheers for welcoming Aigner As of: October 24th, 2026 • 2:19 p.m

The Chancellor calls for unity at the CSU party conference and warns against extremists. However, there is great applause for a special greeting that was seen in connection with the discussion about Steinmeier's successor.

In Munich, the CDU chairman and Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on the Union to show maximum unity. “The CDU and CSU must stand closer together than ever,” said Merz at the Christian Social Party conference in Munich. The Union is being fought by “extremists” from the far right and the far left. The Union does not want and will not leave Germany to these forces.

Merz particularly emphasized his relationship with CSU boss Markus Söder. Söder is “the strong voice” for the CSU in Bavaria, but also in the federal government. He also personally has a “good working relationship” with Söder. "We share a deep feeling of responsibility for our country." It is a shared responsibility.

At the same time, Söder is calling for financial relief for the population. more

Merz did not reveal how he feels about the CSU's proposal to make the Bavarian state parliament president, Ilse Aigner, federal president. At the start of his speech, he mentioned Aigner right after Prime Minister and CSU leader Markus Söder - triggering a storm of cheers from the delegates, almost all of whom rose from their seats. Aigner had to stand up again and wave into the hall - like the day before, when Söder nominated her again for the post of Federal President.

Shortly before the party conference, the CDU leadership tried to slow down the CSU on this issue. “The CDU has not given up its claim to nominate a candidate from its ranks,” said party circles. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is leaving office in March after two terms in office. The Federal Assembly will decide on the successor on January 30, 2027.

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

In his speech, Merz once again insisted on quickly implementing the reform package that was launched in July. "We, the Union, will be judged by whether we have succeeded in implementing these reforms." He also expects the SPD to implement these reforms quickly.

The Chancellor also reiterated the goal of reducing energy costs for all consumers in the coming year. “If it somehow works, and I think it does, the electricity tax has to come down so that people have more money in their pockets again,” he said.

Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil recently stated that the expected higher tax revenues would not be enough to finance a tax cut. “Anyone who now makes suggestions, such as reducing the electricity tax, should also come up with suggestions on how to finance the whole thing,” said the SPD leader.

This topic in the program: The First | daily news | Oct 24, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. Tagesschau24 | News | Oct 24, 2026 | 1:00 p.m