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Merkel and Söder (recording from 2019)
Photo: Michael Kappeler/ dpa
CSU boss Markus Söder has described his relationship with former Chancellor Angela Merkel as "changeable".
»I used to be skeptical, especially because of the migration policy.
But during the Corona period, I really appreciated that she courageously supported our Bavarian position," said the Bavarian Prime Minister to the "Münchner Merkur".
"In the Corona period, some had the impression that there were 'mum' and the son-in-law who were leading the country through difficult times together," Söder continued.
Regular text messages from Merkel – “a kind of Confucius text message, with wisdom about life” – often helped him in difficult times.
The SMS contact continues, he said.
Söder left open whether Merkel 2021 supported his possible chancellor candidacy behind the scenes or not.
"Those are internal things."
Söder considers a new attempt in 2025 to be impossible.
»For CSU chairmen, this opportunity only comes once in a lifetime, if at all.
And that's when the CDU has no candidate who imposes itself.
That was the case with Strauss and also with Stoiber.
In my case, the CDU leadership decided differently than the base.
For me the chapter is closed.«
He is not a "substitute chancellor" but Prime Minister of Bavaria.
"Actually, history shows again and again: A member of the CSU belongs in Bavaria."
as/dpa
