Söder's 10-point plan for new unity in the CSU

Markus Söder, the leader of the Christian Social Union (CSU), is launching a 10-point plan to mend internal divisions and revitalize the party. Söder announced the initiative after a party executive meeting in Munich, stating the goal is to "take the party along, motivate it, and also organize it better." He emphasized that internal disputes harm both the party and democracy, expressing hope for "new unity."

The plan includes several measures to increase the involvement of the party's grassroots members. These involve better integration at party conventions, digital surveys on key decisions, and dedicated base conferences. Söder also intends to revive program and policy commissions and convene a foreign policy congress focused on defense and Europe. A post-autumn state election retreat for the party executive is also planned.

This move comes amid growing unease within the CSU, particularly after a disappointing local election performance and Söder's relatively weak re-election as party leader last December. The recent "Whitsun letter" from CSU Vice Chairman Manfred Weber, which called for a course correction, further fueled internal debates and was seen by many as a direct challenge to Söder's leadership.

Söder acknowledged external pressures, noting that democratic parties are facing uncertainty due to the strong poll numbers of the Alternative for Germany (AfD). He urged for courage and conceptual clarity rather than lamenting the challenges, stating, "Complaining is not an option. We must show courage, conceptual as well as substantive."

Additionally, the party's Hanns Seidel Foundation is to be developed into a "think tank" bridging science and politics. Söder also highlighted the need for the CSU to improve its social media presence, aiming to "upgrade party officials and associations more strongly in social media."