During their ARD summer interviews, CDU leader Friedrich Merz and CSU leader Markus Söder hinted at potential chancellorship candidacies, with Söder displaying clear ambitions while Merz remained more reserved. Merz defended his controversial Eurofighter flight, stating that the costs would have been incurred regardless as it was a routine Air Force flight.
Additionally, Merz expressed support for delivering fighter jets to Ukraine to help them regain control of their airspace. Söder discussed repatriations to Afghanistan and proposed a possible third-country regulation.
Both leaders emphasized the need for the Union to address frustrated AfD voters in the upcoming federal election and develop clear policies on migration and the economy. Merz criticized the lack of communication regarding US weapon systems deployment in Germany by the traffic light government and called for budget savings rather than additional special funds for defense spending.
Overall, the interviews shed light on the leaders' stances on crucial issues and hinted at potential political strategies leading up to the elections.
