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Friedrich Merz: "Surveys are a snapshot"
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Bernd von Jutrczenka / dpa
The CDU politician Friedrich Merz has spoken out against CSU leader Markus Söder as the Union's candidate for chancellor.
"The CDU cannot actually let the candidate for chancellor be taken away," said Merz to the "Westfälischer Anzeiger".
Despite the weak polls, the CDU chairman Armin Laschet continues to have good chances.
“Polls are a snapshot in time.
They are not suitable for a permanent, long-term and personnel-political strategic decision. «Merz had lost the fight for the CDU federal chairmanship against Armin Laschet in January.
A candidacy by Bavarian Prime Minister Söder could not be in the interest of the CSU in the current situation, Merz said.
»There are state elections in Bavaria in 2023.
According to the current state of affairs, only Markus Söder can win with an absolute majority. «A Chancellor Söder would also significantly change the internal relationship in the Union at the expense of the CSU.
Laschet and Söder want to decide by Pentecost who will stand as candidate for chancellor in the federal election in September.
There is no exact date for the decision.
Both have not yet officially registered their candidacy.
On Sunday there will be a closed meeting of the executive board of the parliamentary group.
mjm / dpa
