Markus Söder urges Union rebels to quit after AfD gains in Saxony-Anhalt parliament

In an interview on Caren Miosga’s ARD show, CSU chief Markus Söder urged Union members who stray from the party’s stance to consider quitting, asking them to be transparent about their intentions. He cited the surprise election of AfD politician Tobias Rausch as Landtag president in Saxony-Anhalt, suggesting the vote likely came from a deep wound within the CDU faction. Söder warned that the AfD could soon form the state government, arguing that voters have already expressed a clear preference.

He warned that challenges to Chancellor Friedrich Merz could trigger federal instability and possibly new elections. While affirming his support for Merz, Söder expressed personal interest in seeing Ilse Aigner become president, noting the upcoming election of a new Bundespräsident after Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s term ends in March.