Markus Söder, the leader of the Christian Social Union (CSU) and Bavarian Prime Minister, emphasized during the ARD program Caren Miosga that the coalition must launch a significant reform package by the summer break. He described this as “absolutely necessary” and pointed to the reform pressure facing the black-red coalition.
In his statement, Söder expressed that the public and the economy expect a “real jolt and a step forward.” He stressed the need to involve all relevant stakeholders, including employers and trade unions, in the reform process. “We need everyone at the table,” he said.
The background to this demand includes the key issues identified by the coalition of CDU/CSU and SPD as reform priorities, such as taxes, the labor market, pensions, and reducing bureaucracy. Söder sees a clear timeline and reform pressure to meet citizens’ expectations.
Regarding the debate on relieving citizens, Söder showed support for extending the fuel discount introduced on May 1 due to rising fuel prices. He stated that the fuel discount seems to be effective and that he could envision discussing its extension, depending on the development of fuel prices.
