Merz excludes cooperation with the AfD: Set borders of the CDU
Merz excludes cooperation with the AfD: Set borders of the CDU
in the political landscape of Germany, especially in the run -up to the decisive state elections in Saxony, Thuringia and Brandenburg, the discussion about the CDU cooperation with the AfD ensures great attention. Friedrich Merz, the chairman of the CDU, made it clear that a cooperation with the AfD would have followed catastrophic for the party. "That would kill the CDU," said Merz in an interview with the Editorial Network Germany and pointed out that the goals of the AfD were the destruction of the CDU.
Merz explained that the basic majority of the CDU members were hired against a partnership with the AfD, while only a small minority advocates it. He emphasized the need to make it clear to the members that there are limits that must not be exceeded: "These limits have been exceeded if it becomes right-wing extremist, right-wing radical, anti-democratic, anti-Semitic and xenophobic," said the CDU chairman. These clear words illustrate the strong rejection within the party against an approximate form of cooperation with right -wing extremist groups.
Wagenknecht and possible coalitions
In a sharp tone, Merz criticized the BSW chairwoman Wagenknecht, who in his opinion was misleading with her rhetoric about the state elections. "Ms. Wagenknecht pretends that the state elections have been decided on war and peace," noted Merz. His statements aim to make it clear that state -political elections are not the appropriate platform to discuss issues such as leaving NATO or the stationing of American missiles. "This is not just a gross nonsense, that is almost the attempt to deceive the voters and an abuse of state elections," added Merz.
Among other things,Wagenknecht places the end of arms deliveries to Ukraine and increased diplomatic initiatives of the federal government as a condition for a government participation of the BSW in Thuringia. These demands emphasize the gap between the political currents and show the differences in the approach to central national and international issues.
political direction and consequences
The statements of Merz are not only a statement on the upcoming choice, but also a signal to the voters that the CDU distances itself from extremist positions and at the same time wants to lead the political discourse on relevant topics. At a time when trust and credibility in the political space are particularly important, it will be shown whether the CDU can successfully represent this line towards the electorate.
The discussion about the political orientation of the CDU and its position on the AfD is not new. In recent years, the AfD has gained influence in several federal states in the state elections. This triggered concern at the CDU, especially because speculations about possible coalitions are always loud. Friedrich Merz has clearly formulated that cooperation with the AfD is out of the question and sees this as a question of the political identity of the CDU.
The differences between the CDU and the AfD go beyond ideological differences. Merz emphasizes the need for a clear demarcation to the right -wing extremist scene. This clear line is not only an internal disciplination measure, but also a strategic decision to mobilize voters that are concerned about the values of democracy. The CDU traditionally focused on the center of society and tried to convince this electorate.
political culture in Germany
Political culture in Germany is characterized by a strong consensus that has made it easier to cooperate in the past. A system was established in particular after the Second World War to isolate extremist positions. The perception of the AfD as a threat to the basic democratic values has led to many parties, including the CDU, represent a strict anti-AfD posture.
Historically, there were similar developments in other European countries where right -wing populist parties gained influence. In the Netherlands, for example, PVV (Partij Voor de Vrijheid), led by Geert Wilders, challenged many of his political rivals, but an official cooperation remained controversial. These patterns can also be observed in Germany, where the view that the representatives of democracy should not legitimize with extremist views should influence many political decisions.A look at the voter surveys
Current surveys show that the German electorate is very divided when it comes to supporting the AfD. According to a survey by Infratest dimap in September 2023, the AfD is around 20% of the votes, which is a clear increase compared to the previous years. This development forces the established parties to re -position themselves and rethink their content in order to preserve their traditions and to react to new challenges.
The distinction between moderate conservatism and more extreme positions is considered important by the majority of voters. In a survey by the ZDF political barometer it was found that around 70% of the respondents support a clear delimitation of the CDU to the AfD. These numbers underline the political reality that the CDU is well advised to make its position clear and to distance itself from extremist positions.
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