Overview
- Söder, who arrived at the Bavarian Landtag on Thursday for final budget debates, appeared without his usual goatee.
- Multiple CSU lawmakers told reporters, as relayed by dpa, that a trimming error led him to shave the beard off entirely.
- His entourage reported unexpectedly strong approval for the clean-shaven look from people around the parliament.
- It remains unclear whether he will keep the new appearance, with no decision announced on growing the beard back.
- He had worn the goatee since summer 2024 and previously removed it only for carnival events such as Fastnacht in Franken.