During a recent ZDF summer interview, Söder criticized Saxony’s Minister-President Michael Kretschmer for suggesting dialogue with the AfD, asserting that such engagement would lead to a significant division within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). He condemned a recent terrorist attack at a Berlin event, emphasizing the need for resilience against such acts. Furthermore, Söder expressed support for Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s cabinet reshuffle, while acknowledging the government’s current unpopularity and advocating for substantial reforms to improve public perception.