Former Union chancellor candidate Armin Laschet (CDU) considers disturbing voices from his own camp inappropriate in the upcoming federal election campaign. “Things like in 2021 – small skirmishes, small taunts – do not fit into a serious situation like this. That’s why I’m sure things will get better in this new election campaign,” Laschet, whose qualifications have been repeatedly questioned by CSU boss Markus Söder, said on ZDF’s “heute journal”.
“We live in very different times. We have an aggressive society. We are in a state of war. For the first time, we have a right-wing extremist party in the German federal state, and in times like this everyone should be aware of the seriousness of the situation,” the Bundestag member said. “I think everyone has learned from 2021: a divided party does not get elected.”
He called on the Union’s candidate for chancellor, CDU leader Friedrich Merz, and Söder to stick to their unity throughout the year until the federal election in autumn 2025. “If today’s spirit continues throughout this year, even when things are difficult, then we have a chance to change the traffic lights.”
Söder also pledged his full support to Laschet in 2021. However, during the election campaign, he used taunts to make the Union appear divided in the eyes of many – and ultimately lost the election. On Tuesday, Söder endorsed Merz as a candidate for chancellor and pledged his support.
