Söder Contradicts Kretschmer on AfD Cooperation and Announces Plans for 2028 Candidacy

A new rift has opened inside Germany's conservative Union parties. Bavarian premier and CSU leader Markus Söder publicly contradicted his CDU counterpart Michael Kretschmer over how to handle the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). At the same time, Söder announced that he intends to run as the Union's joint candidate for chancellor in 2028. The dispute centers on Kretschmer's recent suggestion that the CDU cannot categorically rule out cooperation with the AfD at the local level. Söder rejected that idea, insisting the Union must maintain a clear firewall against the party. Söder also defended CDU leader Friedrich Merz's cabinet reshuffle earlier this month, calling it necessary to strengthen the party's leadership team. The conflicting signals come just weeks before crucial state elections in Saxony, Thuringia and Brandenburg, where the AfD is polling strongly. The debate matters because it exposes strategic differences over how to counter the far-right's appeal while preserving the Union's identity as a broad conservative force. Voters in the upcoming elections will be watching closely to see whether the parties can present a united front. The 2028 announcement adds another layer, as Söder positions himself for a future leadership bid alongside Merz.