German Election Campaign Intensifies with CDU-CSU Unity and Green Party Tensions
As the Bundestag election nears, the CDU-CSU alliance showcases unity despite policy disputes, while their stance on potential coalitions sparks debate.
- CDU and CSU leaders Friedrich Merz and Markus Söder emphasize unity in their campaign but display differences over coalition strategies, particularly involving the Green Party.
- Markus Söder has firmly ruled out a coalition with the Greens, warning it could push voters toward the AfD, while Friedrich Merz keeps coalition options open to maintain negotiation leverage.
- The CSU's push for an expanded Mütterrente has drawn criticism from within the CDU, with concerns about financial feasibility during an economic downturn.
- Internal polling shows strong CSU support in Bavaria, with the party expected to secure all local constituencies, bolstering their influence within the Union.
- Key campaign themes for the Union include stricter migration policies, economic revitalization, and security, aiming to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction with the previous government.
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