Weber Calls for 'Fundamental Debate' on Party Direction, Backs Merz

The push for internal debate follows what Weber described as a mixed result for the CSU in recent local elections in Bavaria. "The voters have shown us that we need to do more," he said, interpreting the outcome as a signal that good governance alone is not enough to counter the rise of the Alternative for Germany party.

"If we fail to build a perspective for tomorrow, we will have difficulties stopping populism," Weber warned. He described the upcoming Bavarian state election, the federal election, and the European elections in 2028 and 2029 as "important elections for our democracy and for the CSU as a people's party."

Weber framed the political challenge in stark terms: "It's us or the radicals – we need to prepare for this programmatically now." He stressed that the people want to feel that the mainstream parties are passionate about something.

Dismissing Personnel Speculation

When asked directly whether he aimed to topple party leader Markus Söder, Weber rejected the notion. "My concern is to initiate a debate in the party that is necessary," he said. "My request is not to stifle every substantive debate immediately with a personnel debate." He added that he is "in exchange" with Söder.

Weber also addressed the topic of energy policy, advocating for a continued role for nuclear power. "Without nuclear power, the energy transition cannot succeed," he said. "We need baseload supply at a reasonable price." He stated that it is up to German politics to decide whether new nuclear power plants are built or decommissioned ones are reactivated.

Backing Merz and the Coalition

Turning to federal politics, Weber expressed strong confidence in Friedrich Merz. "At the European level, Friedrich Merz has a strong position. He shapes the debate, but also listens," Weber told the Funke Mediengruppe. He added that Merz's leadership is now very important.

Weber dismissed recent media reports about hypothetical scenarios in which Merz could be replaced by another politician. "It's not about personnel debates. It's about deciding on the right substantive path into the future," he said. He expressed no doubt that the black-red coalition would fulfill its governing mandate, acknowledging that occasional friction is part of politics.

Hendrik Wüst, the Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia, also pushed back against the speculation on Friday. Asked by the German Press Agency, he said: "To make it very clear once again: The speculation of recent days is simply nonsense!" He warned against "such rumors and personnel speculation." The Westfalenpost had first reported on the matter.