The CSU politician surprised the carnival with a Depeche Mode singing performance from the plane. Why the campaign sparks enthusiasm and ridicule at the same time.
Markus Söder sometimes attracts attention with polarizing statements. Now the Bavarian Prime Minister has once again brought himself into focus beyond politics with a very special singing performance.
“Just don’t take everything too seriously today”
He has long been known as an internet personality: Markus Söder primarily provides food content on social media. He posts his meal almost every day and especially emphasizes how much he loves Bavarian home cooking. He even published his own cookbook under the title “Söder eats”. Now the 59-year-old did not attract attention with his food, but with a musical contribution. On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, he posted a video from an airplane to mark this year’s carnival season.
This clip features Depeche Mode’s 1984 hit “People are People”. In the short video, the CSU politician is clearly in a good mood and sings the song. He writes in the caption to the post: “At Carnival, it can be fun sometimes. Just don’t take everything too seriously today. Wish you a really good start to the day!”
It’s no secret that Markus Söder is a big fan of the carnival tradition. Every year he presents himself to the public in a new, elaborate costume. In the past he has appeared as Mahatma Gandhi and Homer Simpson. This year he appeared on socials as William Wallace from the cult film “Braveheart”.
Mixed reactions to music post
The reactions from people on Instagram to the politician’s singing performance were mixed. The action was partly celebrated, but partly ridiculed. Others used the song to criticize Markus Söder.
One person wrote mockingly: “Does this count as working time?” Another echoed this comment, writing: “Everything but work.”
However, people also spoke up with more serious words. One person said: “If only Markus could speak English and take the song’s message to heart.” Yet another comment said: “People are people – that is, as long as their name is not Robert Habeck.” – and thus alluded to the harsh criticism that Markus Söder repeatedly expresses towards the Greens.
Despite everything, the musical post was well received: One woman wrote: “A generation that loves music and dancing and wonderful food… la dolce vita.”
