Former Christian Social Union chairman Erwin Huber reproached the current party leader for a lack of team spirit. In an interview with Spiegel, Huber noted that Söder should “play constructively in Merz’s team instead of throwing the ball in from the sidelines against the rules.”
The criticism was sparked by Söder’s demands for rapid reforms while simultaneously blocking tax and social projects. The Bavarian Prime Minister stated that reforms should ideally be implemented “between Easter and Pentecost.” At the same time, he rejected proposals from SPD leader Lars Klingbeil regarding changes to spousal taxation and family insurance systems.
Huber called this line contradictory. According to him, Söder sets tight deadlines while blocking reform stages and demanding tax cuts without conceptual backing or financial calculations.
Warning Against a “Double Strategy”
The former party leader specifically criticized Söder’s attempt to balance roles in both the coalition and the opposition. Huber emphasized that in times of multiple crises, such a “double strategy” is unacceptable, and the political situation demands discipline.
Huber also took a critical view of Söder’s policies within Bavaria, pointing out the contradiction of implementing austerity measures regionally while making large-scale financial demands in Berlin. The 79-year-old politician cited the CSU’s loss of votes in recent elections and warned against “political solo performances.”
CDU leader Friedrich Merz also indirectly called for unity, noting that reform debates should focus on a joint search for solutions to overcome economic stagnation. The call was clearly addressed to Söder, who recently told Stern magazine that he opposed increasing the top income tax rate, calling it a “slap in the face for the middle class.”
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