Trend at the Oktoberfest – Traditional costume experts: Söder’s Lederhosen commitment to Bavaria – Bavaria

Munich (dpa) – Traditional costume wearers and connoisseurs see the new Lederhosen outfit of Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) as a fashion-conscious commitment to Bavaria after he canceled a possible candidacy for chancellor.

Not historically verifiable in Franconia

“There is no historical evidence of short leather trousers in Franconia,” explains Alexander Wandinger, traditional costume consultant for the Upper Bavaria district, referring to the Prime Minister’s Franconian origins. “But if he is making the Upper Bavarian mountain costume popular with it – why not?” “He is also very imaginative in other ways – for example in Veitshöchheim,” said Wandinger. “I have the impression that he enjoys dressing up.” The deeper reasons for this remain hidden, of course.”

Wearer of Lederhosen “Ambassador and friend of Bavaria”

The spokesman for the Bavarian Traditional Costume Association, Anton Hötzelsberger, also said: “Anyone who wears Lederhosen is an ambassador and friend of Bavaria. There is no appropriation.” At least they are real Lederhosen and not what you sometimes see at the Oktoberfest. The chairman of the Bavarian Traditional Costume Association, Günter Frey, also viewed the appearance as a “confession”.

Matches beard styles

According to Wandinger, the trousers also match the Prime Minister’s new beard. “The combination he has put together is quite harmonious.”

Critical tones from Franconia

The Franconian Association, which advocates for Franconian interests and Franconian traditions, was more critical. “Mr. Söder likes to present himself as a Franconian – as long as he is in Franconia, he also puts on the club jersey.” And in Munich he changed into traditional costume and a Bayern shirt. Everyone can make up their own minds about that,” said the Franconian Association’s press spokesman, Christian Rechholz. At least Söder still speaks Franconian.

“Some people score points by remaining true to themselves and authentic,” added Rechholz. “We were impressed when Marga Beckstein refused to wear a dirndl because she was from Franconia and would have seen it as a disguise.” The wife of the then Prime Minister Günther Beckstein did not appear at the traditional Wiesn tapping ceremony at her husband’s side in the usual dirndl, but in a traditional jacket and skirt – and caused quite a stir.

Berlin, Berlin

At the tapping ceremony on Saturday, Söder from Franconia wore a green embroidered deerskin jacket, as is traditional in the Alpine foothills, and stressed: “Berlin or the Oktoberfest – the Oktoberfest is simply better.”

The Lederhosen in Berlin: Even if there are Bavarian traditional costume groups there, this would be a real novelty, at least in the Federal Chancellery. Wandinger: “If he became Chancellor – and then wore the short Lederhosen: That would be a revolution in fashion.” But he doesn’t want to do that anymore.”

© dpa-infocom, dpa:240923-930-241096/2