Looking back on 2021: Lang: "I don't think Söder is a good character"

After the 2021 election, the Greens are exploring the possibilities of a coalition with the Union. Looking back, Green politician Lang is still appalled by the behavior of CSU leader Söder in the meeting. The impression still resonates today.

Former Green Party leader Ricarda Lang has spoken out harshly about the character of CSU leader Markus Söder and his role in the 2021 Jamaica talks. "I have to say, the man has lost his character in my eyes ever since," she said in an interview with "Spiegel".

"I felt like we were watching a stage performance where Markus Söder was playing the big showman." Every time the then CDU chairman Armin Laschet spoke, Söder left the room to get a coffee. "That was sly behavior that completely undermined your authority and was smirking at other people," she said to CDU politician Laschet, who was also present at the meeting. She "lost all respect for Markus Söder" that day, Lang continued.

After the 2021 federal election, the leaders of the CDU/CSU, Greens and FDP met for a day of negotiations to explore the possibilities for a Jamaica coalition. Lang spoke of a "courtesy visit". In the end, it came down to a traffic light coalition with the SPD, Greens and FDP, which, however, did not survive the full legislative period.

Lang was one of the two leaders of the Greens from January 2022 until her resignation in November 2024. She was re-elected to the Bundestag via the state list in last Sunday's election.