(de-news.net) – In a speech to the CSU party conference in Munich, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has called for quicker economic changes, reduced electricity taxes, and revitalized industrial growth while urging strong collaboration between the CDU and CSU. In addition, he stressed the significance of European collaboration, issued a warning about both domestic extremism and external security threats, and urged the ruling coalition to promptly carry out its reform pledges. Ilse Aigner’s (CSU) potential as the Federal President’s successor was also brought up again during the event.

Chancellor Merz called for closer cooperation between the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), as Germany confronts economic difficulties, external security threats, and domestic extremism. Addressing the CSU party conference in Munich on Saturday, Merz highlighted the parties’ shared responsibility for the country’s future and praised his partnership with CSU leader Markus Söder. He argued that the Union must strengthen its cohesion to defend Germany against extremist forces on both the far left and the far right.

Unity seen as essential to security and stability

Merz stressed that coordinated action was necessary to protect domestic security, safeguard employment, and make living costs more affordable. He also emphasized that European cooperation remained essential to preserving freedom and security across the continent. Warning against a return to an international order dominated by military strength, he argued that Europe faced a fundamental choice between upholding the rule of law and allowing the stronger power to prevail.

The Chancellor also criticized the radical left over its hostility toward Jews, the police, and Israel’s right to exist. He accused the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Greens of potentially facilitating the radical left’s entry into Berlin’s political institutions. Meanwhile, Merz charged that the Alternative for Germany (AfD) was seeking to destabilize Germany and isolate the country internationally. Against this backdrop, he presented closer CDU/CSU cooperation as necessary to address both domestic and international challenges.

Merz presses for lower electricity taxes

Economic policy featured prominently in Merz’s address, particularly the need to reduce energy costs for households and businesses. The Chancellor called for lower electricity taxes for all consumers in 2027, arguing that the measure would leave households with more disposable income and help make everyday life more affordable.

Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil had taken a more cautious position, questioning whether anticipated increases in tax revenue would be sufficient to finance the proposed reduction. Although the governing coalition had agreed to lower electricity prices, budgetary constraints had prevented the relief from being extended to all consumers. Existing tax concessions remained limited to manufacturing, agriculture, and forestry, a restriction that Söder had repeatedly criticized. The debate highlighted the financial constraints facing the Government as it seeks to reconcile commitments to lower energy costs with competing budgetary demands.

Faster reforms and industrial competitiveness

Merz also called for the swift implementation of reforms already agreed upon by the coalition Government, citing economic pressures, rising prices, and growing demands on Germany’s social security systems. Pension provision, health care, and long-term care remained particularly challenging policy areas, requiring decisions that the Government could not indefinitely postpone.

The Chancellor urged the SPD to honor the coalition agreement and accelerate the implementation of joint commitments. He emphasized that the Union would ultimately be judged by its ability to translate political promises into tangible results. Restoring economic growth, encouraging corporate investment, and maintaining Germany’s industrial competitiveness were identified as central priorities. Merz reiterated that Germany must retain its position as an industrial nation, presenting a competitive economy as essential to addressing the country’s broader economic challenges.

Aigner receives a warm reception at the CSU conference

The address also featured a notable moment involving Ilse Aigner, president of the Bavarian state parliament. Shortly after greeting Söder, Merz welcomed Aigner by name, prompting applause and a standing ovation from conference delegates.

Söder had renewed his support for Aigner as a potential successor to the current Federal President. However, the CDU leadership’s position on the proposal remained unclear. The exchange highlighted a further political dimension of the gathering, which brought together the Union’s two sister parties around questions of cooperation, leadership, and their shared responsibilities at the federal level.