Söder backs Merz but stays silent on CDU leadership challenge

Markus Söder has ruled out CSU support for any attempt to oust Chancellor Friedrich Merz following the Union's poor election result in Saxony-Anhalt, while leaving open the question of challenges within the CDU itself. Söder called the result a "historic wake-up call" and demanded the federal government accelerate its reforms, warning that the crisis is one for Germany, not just the coalition. He affirmed Merz remains the right chancellor, citing his commitment to reforms, but acknowledged the chancellor faces a "brutal" campaign against him. Söder declined to say whether he would be ready to succeed Merz, noting it is not the chancellor's nature to give up. He also accused US President Trump and Russian President Putin of interfering in the election to benefit the AfD.