Markus Söder Re-elected as CSU Leader, Affirms Fulfillment of 2025 Promises

Markus Söder was re-elected as chairman of the Christian Social Union (CSU) during the party conference held on December 13, 2025. As the Minister-President of Bavaria and CSU leader, Söder emphasized in an interview at the conference that he has fulfilled all the promises he made throughout the year, underscoring his commitment to political accountability.

While Söder’s leadership remains firm, broader political scrutiny has continued regarding pandemic-era decisions within the German government. The Bundesrechnungshof (Federal Audit Office) recently criticized the Federal Ministry of Health for its inadequate handling of mask procurement during the COVID-19 crisis. Over 5.8 billion masks were purchased at a cost of 5.9 billion euros, but 3.4 billion masks have been destroyed or are slated to be destroyed, with only 1.7 billion masks distributed domestically. The audit office highlighted poor documentation and questioned the Ministry’s justification for maintaining the overstocked masks as a national reserve without proper legal basis.

Former Health Minister Jens Spahn has faced significant scrutiny over contracts made without negotiation, triggering numerous lawsuits from suppliers. Despite these challenges at the federal level, Söder’s position within the CSU solidifies his influence over the party and Bavaria’s political landscape heading toward 2026.