Merz warns: AfD wants to destroy CDU – No room for cooperation

Merz warns: AfD wants to destroy CDU – No room for cooperation

The political waves in Germany are currently running high, especially when it comes to the relationship between the CDU and the AfD. The CDU is currently at a crossroads as to how it should respond to the challenges of the upcoming state elections in East Germany. Friedrich Merz, the chairman of the CDU, makes it clear that cooperation with the AfD is unacceptable for his party. But what are the reasons behind this sharp demarcation?

In Berlin, ahead of the state elections in Saxony, Thuringia and Brandenburg, Merz said that the AfD represents a serious threat to the CDU. He warned of the political consequences of possible cooperation with the party, which he described as the “destruction” of the CDU. Merz is certain that isolation from the AfD is essential for the identity and future of the CDU. “That would kill the CDU,” said Merz in an interview. “We must not extend our hand to those who want to eliminate us politically.”

The position of the AfD and coalition offers

However, the AfD seems ready to build bridges to the Union. Alice Weidel, the co-chair of the AfD, has made a clarifying coalition offer to the CDU. “We at the AfD are prepared to form coalitions with the CDU if this is feasible in terms of content,” she explained. This public initiative presents the CDU with a difficult decision that could affect not only the party structures, but also the trust of voters.

Merz makes it clear that “the clear majority” in the CDU is against cooperation with the AfD. This is an important reminder that, despite external pressure, internal unity within the Union is important. Merz emphasizes that the boundaries of conservatism must be clearly defined and that these boundaries must be adhered to not only in ideas but also in practice.

The current situation is characterized by clear political competition. In Saxony and Thuringia, the AfD is already classified as right-wing extremist, which makes cooperation even more problematic. In Brandenburg, the AfD is only classified as a suspected right-wing extremist case. Given these backgrounds, all three affected federal states have apparently made clear decisions: coalitions with the AfD are excluded.

Voters' opinions on these issues are just as revealing as the parties' positions. A current survey shows that a majority of Germans reject the AfD's participation in government. 55 percent of those surveyed were clearly against a partnership with the AfD, while only 13 percent were prepared to support cooperation under certain conditions. These statistics reflect the widespread concern among the population about a possible shift to the right in German politics.

Current surveys and their implications

As far as the future formation of governments in the East is concerned, the situation will be complicated. In Thuringia and Brandenburg, the AfD is leading the polls, while in Saxony it is competing with the CDU for first place in a tight race. This dynamic situation could lead to a difficult government formation, in which cooperation with the AfD may seem unavoidable. More and more voters are asking themselves how the CDU will position itself in this tense situation.

The survey results indicate that a clear majority of Germans want to distance themselves from the AfD. 32 percent of those surveyed are of the opinion that, if in doubt, the established parties should cooperate with other groups rather than with the AfD. These figures lead to a wide-ranging debate about the AfD's influence on German politics and the positioning of the traditional parties.

Political identity under scrutiny

The challenges facing the CDU not only affect its domestic policy strategy, but also its self-image as a party. While Merz's statements emphasize the need to preserve the CDU as a strong, conservative force, public perception also plays a crucial role. Pressure from the grassroots and possible coalition partners will prove critical as the ballot boxes in East Germany will soon demand their decision.

The political climate in East Germany

Since the reunification of Germany in 1990, political dynamics have developed in East Germany that differ significantly from those in the West. The economic and social upheavals following reunification, coupled with ongoing dissatisfaction with the established parties, led to the AfD emerging and gaining strong influence in these regions. This party uses feelings of disadvantage and insecurity to portray itself as an advocate for the “forgotten people”.

Historically, East Germany was strongly influenced by the GDR in terms of political commitment and participation. While the old electorate of the PDS (later Die Linke) was initially strong, the AfD's voter potential has noticeably expanded in recent years. This is evident in the current polls that show the AfD in leadership positions, particularly in Saxony and Thuringia.

Environmental factors and social unrest

Additional factors such as ongoing economic challenges, low wages and high migration rates from rural areas increase dissatisfaction. Demographic changes have left many communities in a state of desperation, driving support for parties that offer a more radical program. The AfD has clearly recognized how it can capitalize politically on these issues and is targeting voters who feel that their concerns are being ignored by the established parties.

Current surveys and election analysis

The latest polls show a mixed picture of support for the AfD and its competitors. According to a YouGov survey conducted in August 2024, a total of 55 percent of Germans reject the AfD's participation in government. This is in sharp contrast to the results in East Germany, where the AfD has a significant lead and poses a political threat to the CDU in Thuringia and Saxony.

An analysis of the voter base shows that younger voters and people with low incomes in rural areas in particular tend to vote for the AfD. In the long term, this could lead to further fragmentation of the political climate in Germany, making it more difficult to form stable coalitions.

The role of the CDU in Eastern policy

The CDU currently sees itself in a critical position. It not only has to retain its traditional voter base, but also sharpen its own political identity. Friedrich Merz emphasizes the need to draw clear boundaries against right-wing extremist positions. The goal is not only to differentiate the CDU from the AfD, but also to regain the trust of voters who have turned away from the established parties.

According to the latest reports, the CDU has launched numerous initiatives in recent months to improve the social and economic situation in East Germany and to strengthen dialogue with citizens. Merz's clear stance against the AfD is often seen as the backbone of this strategy to consolidate the CDU's identity as a modern, responsible and democratic party.

For the CDU, it remains to be seen whether this strategy is sufficient to win back voters and break the dominance of the AfD. Finally, the political landscape in Germany is increasingly polarized, questioning traditional values ​​and views on politics.