Söder also demands air defense systems for major German cities

After the delivery of a German Iris-T SLM air defense system to Ukraine, CSU boss Markus Söder is demanding the purchase of such military technology to protect German cities. "We have to install missile and anti-aircraft protection systems for German cities," said Söder of "Bild am Sonntag". “This would give us a complete protective shield over Germany. It is not enough to just protect our partners, we must do the same for our own country.”

A few days ago, Germany delivered the first state-of-the-art Iris-T SLM air defense system to Ukraine. Three more of these systems are to follow in the coming year.

The Iris-T SLM can be used to defend against incoming missiles at an altitude of up to 20 kilometers and at a distance of up to 40 kilometers. According to Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), the system can protect "an entire city from Russian air raids".

In the same interview, Söder warned of a rise in extremism and called on the democratic parties to be more united. "Fear and uncertainty are the fuel for extremists," he said. “The mixing of crises such as energy and Corona can lead to excessive demands and a destabilization of democracy. Therefore, the democratic parties must show a clear stance, argue less and encourage the citizens.”

He called on Chancellor Scholz to put a stop to the coalition dispute over the extension of the lifetime of nuclear power plants between Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) and Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP). “The chancellor must use his policy competence and call the two brawlers to order. The public dispute not only damages the reputation of the traffic light, but also paralyzes the federal government’s ability to act and thus weakens democracy overall.”

Söder also spoke out against the reintroduction of a mask requirement indoors. "I'm reluctant at the moment. Everyone can protect themselves by voluntarily putting on a mask and getting vaccinated," he said.

A nationwide mask requirement only exists in long-distance trains and buses, clinics, medical practices and care facilities. In addition, countries can introduce them indoors if needed.

Söder rejected criticism from Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) at the Munich Oktoberfest: “The federal government has decided that such festivals can take place. It's strange that Mr. Lauterbach is now getting upset about the "Wiesn". Incidentally, the numbers are also increasing elsewhere. But as with many comparable large folk festivals, the corona numbers first increased and then decreased again. From my point of view it was a nice “Wiesn”.”

In the course of the Oktoberfest, the number of infections in Bavaria and especially Munich had risen drastically. Now they are sinking again. The clinics there are now under enormous pressure and are registering more patients with Corona than ever before.