Speaking at the Katholikentag in Würzburg, Söder expressed concerns that the failure of another democratic government could lead Germany down a perilous path reminiscent of the Weimar era, which ended with the rise of the Nazi regime. He emphasized the need for unity in preserving democracy, warning that reliance on a minority government could precipitate early elections and empower extremist parties like the AfD, which he described as the most dangerous right-wing organization in Europe. Recent polling indicates the AfD has reached a record 29% support, raising alarms among political leaders regarding the implications for national security and democratic integrity.