CSU: Ex-party chief Huber calls for broader party positioning

Erwin Huber, former leader of the Christian Social Union (CSU) party and long-serving state minister, has called for his party to broaden its personnel and policy base. As he approaches his 80th birthday, Huber told the German Press Agency that a "modern people's party needs more breadth."

“

A modern people's party needs more breadth.

Huber also strongly cautioned against political populism and the practice of merely echoing public sentiment, arguing that such approaches only empower extremists. He advocated for a return to long-term political objectives, contrasting this with what he perceives as the current political landscape's tendency towards short-sightedness and impulsiveness. This, he believes, contributes to a loss of credibility and trust among the public.

“

We were once like a good football team. Because politics is teamwork.

Drawing a parallel to a "good football team," Huber stressed that politics is teamwork. He reminisced about a time when different CSU leaders embodied distinct policy areas, from social affairs to economics and the environment, and urged the party to strengthen this approach. While acknowledging the significant power held by current party leader Markus Söder, Huber stated that the "playing team" needs to expand to improve decision-making quality.

“

But not speaking to please them. And I believe that today's generation of politicians has rather forgotten this second half of the sentence.

Huber expressed particular praise for Söder's focus on technology and space exploration, as well as artificial intelligence and digitalization, areas where he believes Söder has a "good nose." However, he also put forward State Parliament President Ilse Aigner as a potential candidate for federal president. Huber suggested that Aigner's unique personality and demeanor could be an asset, especially in a divided society, citing her talent for bringing people together.

“

If the CDU is smart, then it takes Ilse.