Conservative Alliance's CDU Declares Support for Party Leader Laschet
CSU of the Conservative Alliance is Led by Governor S?der of Bavaria
DW "Uncertainty Grows Over CDU-CSU Alliance Relationship"
Markus S?der, Governor of Bavaria from the Christian Social Union (CSU) [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] The race for the next chancellor candidate to succeed Chancellor Merkel within the ruling conservative union in Germany has effectively become a two-way contest. This has led to observations that a power struggle has intensified within the conservative union, which has long ensured political stability for Germany's conservative camp.
According to Deutsche Welle (DW) on the 12th (local time), regional parties of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) declared their support for Armin Laschet, the CDU party leader and candidate for the next chancellor. DW evaluated that "with the effective official endorsement from the CDU, Laschet has gained considerable political momentum."
On the other hand, Markus S?der, the governor of Bavaria and candidate for the next chancellor from the Christian Social Union (CSU), another party within the conservative union, has not withdrawn his candidacy. The CSU also held a leadership meeting on the same day and unanimously resolved to support Governor S?der. S?der indicated his intention to compete with Laschet for the candidacy by stating, "Now, deciding on a single candidate for the CDU-CSU union requires the participation of more stakeholders."
Traditionally, the CDU-CSU union has put forward only a single chancellor candidate, usually nominated by the CDU, which is the relatively larger party. The CDU's influence within the conservative union is so strong that since the postwar period, the CSU has nominated a chancellor candidate only twice in all elections.
However, while the CDU, to which Chancellor Merkel belongs, has seen a significant drop in support due to prolonged lockdown measures amid the resurgence of COVID-19, support for Governor S?der of the CSU has been expanding.
In fact, according to the German polling firm Forsa, in a poll on support for the next chancellor, S?der ranked first in competition against opposition parties if he runs as the conservative union's candidate. In contrast, Laschet ranked only third if he were to run as the single candidate.
Thus, it is analyzed that Governor S?der, having confirmed his popular support, has entered into a power struggle with the CDU. On the same day, Laschet proposed talks for a swift decision on the single candidate nomination, but Governor S?der rejected the proposal.
According to Germany's DPA news agency, S?der said on the day, "I oppose a swift decision," and added, "I will meet with the CDU this weekend to resume consultations."
DW assessed that "this two-way contest within the CDU-CSU union has further increased uncertainty about the alliance between these parties."
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