The Strategic Playbook: Markus Söder on the ‘Judo and Chess’ of Governing

In the high-stakes arena of political leadership, the difference between a win and a loss often comes down to the playbook. For Markus Söder, the Minister President of Bavaria and leader of the CSU, the art of governing isn’t just about policy—it’s about tactical agility and long-term positioning. Speaking on the NZZ Machtspiel podcast, Söder described his approach to leadership in terms that would resonate with any strategist: “Governing is a mixture of judo and chess.”

Since taking office in 2018, Söder has positioned himself as more than just a regional leader; he is a heavyweight voice in German federal politics. His strategy revolves around a dual-track approach: utilizing the momentum of his opponents (the judo) even as calculating several moves ahead to secure Bavarian interests (the chess).

The ‘Cash Cow’ Strategy: Defending the Home Turf

Every successful franchise knows the value of its primary assets. Söder views Bavaria as the economic engine of Germany, referring to the state as the “cash cow” or “Goldesel” (golden donkey) of the nation. However, he argues that despite this contribution, Bavaria is often penalized in the federal balance.

To counter this, Söder is pushing for a tactical shift in tax policy. He is calling for the regionalization of inheritance tax, arguing that a one-size-fits-all federal approach fails to account for regional disparities—specifically the skyrocketing real estate prices in Bavaria. By regionalizing this tax, Söder aims to create a system that responds to local economic realities rather than rigid central mandates.

This move is part of a broader philosophy of protecting regional interests against federal encroachment, a recurring theme in his political tenure.

The Energy Pivot: Stopping the Import Game

In sports, relying on an opponent’s strengths or a third party’s resources is a vulnerability. Söder applies this logic to Germany’s current energy crisis. He has expressed a clear desire to move away from the reliance on expensive fracking gas imported from the United States.

Söder argues that the era of avoiding “dirty hands” is over. He believes Germany must rethink its stance on domestic fracking to ensure future energy security and economic stability, rather than continuing to pay a premium for foreign resources. It is a pivot from a defensive, cautious posture to an aggressive, self-sufficient strategy.

While he is open to energy shifts, he remains defensive on other fiscal fronts. Söder expressed skepticism regarding an increase in value-added tax (VAT), warning that such a move would likely lead to a “massive increase in inflation” during a volatile economic phase.

The Digital Sprint: Competing on a Global Stage

If governing is chess, then digitalization is the board on which the next decade will be decided. Söder believes Bavaria is currently playing at an elite level, pursuing “pure digitalization” with the goal of competing directly with the United States and China.

He attributes this competitive edge to two factors: “long lines” (consistent, long-term planning) and a “clear philosophy.” Notably, Söder credits the absence of a left-wing government in Bavaria as a primary advantage that has allowed the state to maintain its course without ideological pivots that might leisurely progress.

For a global audience, this represents a bid to move beyond European standards and enter the top tier of global tech competition, treating digital infrastructure as the essential equipment for modern economic survival.

The Defensive Play: Containing the AfD

No strategy is complete without a defensive plan to neutralize threats. A key priority for Söder is preventing the further growth of the AfD (Alternative for Germany) within Bavaria. While the specifics of his tactical execution remain a subject of political debate, his focus is clear: maintaining the stability of the CSU’s stronghold against a rising challenger.

Interestingly, Söder revealed that his leadership is guided by a specific sentence from “Star Trek,” though the exact quote was not detailed in the discussion. It suggests a leader who looks toward a futuristic, idealistic vision while employing the gritty, tactical maneuvers of a political veteran.

For those following the trajectory of German politics, Söder’s “judo and chess” philosophy offers a blueprint of how he intends to navigate the complexities of federalism, energy independence, and global technological competition.

The next major checkpoint for Söder’s strategy will be the ongoing federal debates regarding tax reform and energy policy, where his influence as a regional powerhouse continues to shape the national conversation.

Do you think a “judo and chess” approach is the most effective way to lead in today’s political climate? Let us realize in the comments.

For more details on the full discussion, you can listen to the NZZ Machtspiel podcast episode featuring Markus Söder.