CDU leader Friedrich Merz sees a “potential of 35 percent and more” for the Union in next year’s federal election. He said this in an interview with the “Welt am Sonntag” (“WamS”). Merz also specified further goals for the CDU/CSU in the election: “We want to be by far the strongest faction. If possible, we should only need one coalition partner. And we should be able to choose between at least two factions in the Bundestag with whom we will work together if necessary,” he said.

In surveys, the Union has long been at 30 percent or slightly higher. When asked what the Union wants to do to get the votes it needs to achieve these goals, the CDU leader said: “This week we are at 32 percent. And when the outstanding personnel decisions are made, the Union will gain even more, I am sure of that.” By “personnel decisions,” Merz was referring to the still open question of the Union’s candidate for chancellor in the federal election.

“First, the two party leaders will make a joint proposal,” said Merz, referring to CSU leader Markus Söder, about the procedure. “And we will then discuss this with the state leaders.” Söder is a successful state premier. The CDU and CSU treat each other as equals and with mutual respect. “This also applies to the answer to the question of who will be the Union’s candidate for chancellor,” said Merz. When asked whether he had already decided whether he wanted to be the candidate for chancellor, the CDU leader said: “I have decided to clarify the question amicably with Markus Söder in late summer.”