In the lead-up to the German federal elections, tensions are rising within the conservative bloc as CDU leader Friedrich Merz and CSU leader Markus Söder clash over coalition strategies.

While Merz remains open to a potential alliance with the Greens, Söder firmly opposes such a move, preferring a more traditional conservative approach.

This internal discord echoes the historical rivalry between former CSU leader Franz Josef Strauß and CDU Chancellor Helmut Kohl, where Strauß often challenged Kohl's decisions from the sidelines.

As Merz embarks on international visits, such as his recent trip to Kyiv, he is positioning himself as a statesman, yet the domestic political landscape remains fraught with challenges.

The outcome of this internal power struggle could significantly impact the future direction of Germany's conservative politics.