In a recent ZDF summer interview, Söder dismissed claims of a significant defeat for the CSU in the upcoming municipal elections, asserting that the party’s overall performance remains consistent with previous elections. He defended Chancellor Friedrich Merz against criticism regarding delays in cabinet reshuffling, attributing the recent resignation of a key minister to unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, Söder condemned the recent attack at the Christopher Street Day event in Berlin as an assault on the values of freedom and tolerance, emphasizing the need for a strong response to such acts of violence.