Chancellor and CDU leader Friedrich Merz is scheduled to speak at the CSU party congress in Munich today, Saturday, December 13, 2025, at approximately 12:30 PM. His appearance follows the re-election of Markus Söder as CSU party leader on Friday evening, where Söder secured another two-year term with 83.6 percent of the votes. This result marks Söder’s weakest performance as CSU chairman to date.
CSU Pledges Support for Chancellor Merz
Merz’s visit to the Messe München is expected to be met with a friendly reception from the sister party. Markus Söder had previously announced that the party congress would send a “clear signal” of cooperation with the CDU. Söder has consistently emphasized his constructive approach to relations with the CDU, stating, “I believe I am one of the friendliest CSU chairmen there has ever been.”
During his party congress speech on Friday, Söder reiterated the CSU’s support for Merz, asserting, “Although we are two parties, CDU and CSU, we are still one Union.” Söder emphasized that the CSU is providing Merz with “backing in these difficult times,” adding, “He doesn’t have it easy; he needs our help.”
Söder’s Re-election and Internal Party Dynamics
In the executive board election on Friday evening, 531 delegates voted in favor of Söder, while 104 withheld their support. There was no opposing candidate. Söder’s 83.6 percent approval rating was nearly four percentage points lower than his previous weakest result in January 2019. His best performance was in 2023, shortly before the state election, when he secured 96.6 percent of the votes.
Despite the slightly lower approval, Söder’s re-election signifies continued leadership for the CSU. The outcome reflects a complex interplay of party unity and internal dynamics, particularly as the party navigates its relationship with the CDU under Chancellor Merz.
Other Key Developments
While the focus remains on the party congress and Merz’s address, other significant news includes the closure of the silicon plant in Pocking, Passau district. This is the only plant of its kind in Germany and has faced ongoing challenges due to high energy costs and competition from China. The closure marks an end to a long period of crisis for the facility.
Additionally, the EU has introduced new import fees on cheap goods. Starting in July, a three-euro import fee will be levied on goods valued under 150 euros shipped into the EU. This measure, agreed upon by EU finance ministers on Friday, could affect major online retailers, including Amazon, and aims to address issues related to low-cost imports.
BR24 is providing live coverage of Merz’s speech and other developments from the CSU party congress. Further updates and analyses will be available on BR24live and through their WhatsApp channel, offering news and exclusive insights directly to subscribers’ mobile devices.
Source: https://www.br.de/nachrichten/bayern/merz-in-muenchen-csu-will-kanzler-rueckendeckung-geben,V59chWS
