Weber defends his Pentecost letter against interpretation as an attack on Söder

Background: The Pentecost Letter

Weber stated that the reason for the demanded realignment was the severe defeats the CSU suffered in the local elections in Bavaria. Given that the next Bavarian state election is two years away, this is "the right moment to strategically consider how we will move forward," he said.

Weber announced that the CSU will "strategically realign itself in the coming weeks and months" and consult on "how we will go into this election together." He thus held out the prospect of a process of programmatic and strategic renewal without linking it to personnel changes.

Support from Theo Waigel

According to the report, Weber received support from Honorary Chairman Theo Waigel. The former federal minister had agreed with the initiative, Deutschlandfunk reported on June 04, 2026, citing his appearance on "Maischberger."

The episode sheds light on the mood within the CSU following a series of lost local elections in Bavaria. Weber's letter had triggered debates within the party about the future strategic direction and the relationship with state politics.

Outlook for the State Election

With Weber at the helm of the EPP in Brussels and Söder as Bavarian Minister-President and CSU leader, the question of the division of responsibilities within the Union family is a constant issue. Weber's intervention therefore fell into an already tense internal debate.

Observers interpret the denial as an attempt to avoid an open confrontation over the top position while pushing ahead with substantive renewal. Whether this will succeed is likely to become apparent in the coming weeks as the CSU concretizes its strategic consultations.