(de-news.net) – Stronger political opposition to the AfD and Left Party has been called for by CSU leader Markus Söder, who suggested limiting federal-state financial transfers to states run by either party. While Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt cautioned about possible security threats under a left-wing government in Berlin, he rejected an AfD ban at the CSU summit in Munich in favor of democratic confrontation. Other CSU politicians demanded for changes to Germany’s interstate fiscal equalization system and denounced the Left Party’s positions.

CSU leader Markus Söder opened his party’s conference in Munich by pledging to counter the growing influence of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the Left Party. He argued that Germany’s traditional major parties faced an existential challenge and urged the federal coalition of Christian Democrats and Social Democrats (SPD) to demonstrate its ability to govern by delivering tangible results.

A central element of Söder’s proposals was an ‘extremism clause’ in Germany’s interstate fiscal equalization system, which would exclude states led by the AfD or Left Party from receiving financial support. He said Bavaria would explore the proposal with Baden-Württemberg and Hesse, arguing that public funds should not benefit governments associated with hostility to the constitution.

Responding to recent state election results, Söder acknowledged widespread dissatisfaction with the federal government but maintained that the CSU had remained comparatively stable in national polling. He pledged to prevent further AfD gains in Bavaria, presenting the party’s electoral position as evidence that a determined political response could limit the far-right party’s expansion.

Söder rejects an AfD ban in favor of democratic confrontation

Söder opposed initiating proceedings to ban the AfD, arguing that a prohibition debate could strengthen rather than weaken the party. Instead, he advocated confronting it through democratic competition and persuasive political arguments. As an example, he criticized the AfD’s economic proposals, which he claimed would lead to financial collapse and mounting debt.

The CSU leader also challenged the AfD’s democratic credentials, citing the presence of far-right activists, Identitarian networks, misogynistic rhetoric and aggressive behavior among party associates. He called on AfD co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla to remove extremist elements and prevent figures from exercising influence.

Dobrindt warns of security risks and potential intelligence-sharing changes

Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) warned in an interview that a potential coalition in Berlin involving the SPD, Greens and Left Party could weaken law enforcement and create security risks. Citing possible threats from clan-related criminal networks, extremists and antisemites, he called for additional police personnel, a stronger domestic intelligence service and expanded video surveillance.

His word of caution concerned the anticipated security policies of a possible government, rather than documented consequences of a coalition already in office. The dispute also extended to how federal and state authorities would cooperate if parties with differing security priorities entered government.

Dobrindt questioned how sensitive information could be protected if parties he considers radical took office in states such as Berlin or Saxony-Anhalt. He suggested that cooperation among state interior ministers might need to be revised, potentially ending the unanimity principle to prevent individual state governments from obstructing national security measures. Existing safeguards designed to prevent unauthorized disclosure, he said, would remain essential.

Herrmann criticizes Left Party leader over comments on unrest in France

Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann (CSU) criticized Left Party co-leader Ines Schwerdtner over her comments on left-wing unrest in France, according to press reports. Herrmann interpreted her remarks as support for extending protest movements across national borders and argued that they involved confrontations with the media and police rather than peaceful demonstrations.

He further accused Schwerdtner of portraying perpetrators as victims while disregarding the role of security personnel. These claims represented Herrmann’s interpretation of her statements; they do not independently establish that Schwerdtner endorsed political violence or sought to encourage unrest in Germany.

Huber defends CSU support and calls for fiscal equalization reform

CSU Secretary-General Martin Huber portrayed his party as a principal barrier to the AfD’s expansion, attributing its relative stability in Bavaria to its focus on voters’ everyday concerns and public trust in Söder. His remarks reinforced the party leadership’s broader effort to distinguish the CSU’s political approach from developments elsewhere in Germany.

Huber also called for reform of interstate fiscal equalization, arguing that Bavaria’s contribution—approximately 60 percent of the total—was disproportionate and unfair. He questioned why Bavarian taxpayers should finance policies his party opposed and supported considering financial sanctions in response to political developments in Berlin and Saxony-Anhalt.

The funding dispute linked the CSU’s demands for changes to federal-state financial arrangements with its criticism of prospective state-level governing coalitions. Söder and Huber both argued that the current system should be reconsidered, particularly where they believe public money could support political priorities they reject.