Markus Söder - Adverse Media Check

Bundestagswahl 2025 in Germany

In this series, we analyze German media (written in German). The risk assessment and reasoning are provided in English.

This Adverse Media Risk Assessment is for Markus Söder - Minister-President of Bavaria since 2018 and leader of the Christian Social Union in Bavaria (CSU) since 2019.

Risk Summary

• Markus Söder was involved in a controversial deal for 2.5 million doses of the Russian Sputnik vaccine, criticized for lack of transparency and incomplete data, and seen as politically risky due to Russia’s aggressive actions.
• Söder was linked to the controversial sale of the Bavarian housing company GBW in 2013, with suspicions of money laundering involving PATRIZIA Immobilien AG and unknown investors.
• Allegations suggest potential political influence to halt investigations into the GBW sale, which could have implicated Söder, leading to calls for reopening the case.
• Criticism of Söder includes accusations of prioritizing political gain over public health during the COVID-19 crisis, particularly in his handling of the healthcare system and decision to proceed with local elections despite risks.

Adverse Media Articles

All risky articles that led to the risk assessment:

• Das falsche Signal zur falschen Zeit (Spiegel)
• Söders Wohnungsdeals im Zwielicht: Geldwäsche-Verdacht im Umfeld des GBW-Verkaufs. Opposition erwägt Untersuchungsausschuss. (Monitor - WDR)
• Der falsche Held (taz)

Date of Media Screening

2024-12-17

Other Bundestagswahl Lead Candidates

• Christian Lindner
• Ines Schwerdtner
• Jan van Aken
• Olaf Scholz
• Robert Habeck
• Sahra Wagenknecht