More Distance: Merz Hardens Stance Against AfD

Chancellor Merz is reinforcing the CDU's rejection of cooperation with the AfD, even as internal debate continues regarding how to handle the right-wing party's growing popularity. While ruling out formal coalitions, Merz acknowledges that policy votes may sometimes align with the AfD.

Key Points

Chancellor Merz (CDU) emphasizes the need to highlight the differences between the CDU and the AfD, identifying the AfD as a primary political opponent.
Merz reiterates the CDU's incompatibility resolution, which prohibits cooperation with the AfD.
The CDU is facing internal disagreement on how to deal with the AfD. Some party members are open to the possibility of accepting AfD votes on specific issues.
Merz acknowledges that the AfD has gained ground due to policy decisions of previous governments, including Merkel's administration, particularly on migration.
Despite rejecting cooperation, Merz concedes that CDU policies might occasionally pass with AfD support, but warns against becoming dependent on the AfD's agenda.
Upcoming regional elections in several states are intensifying the debate around the AfD, as the party gains traction in voter polls.

Background

The CDU, along with its sister party the CSU, has maintained a "firewall" ("Brandmauer") against the AfD since the latter's rise to prominence. This policy aims to prevent any formal cooperation or legitimization of the AfD, whose positions are often seen as contradicting the CDU's core values. However, the AfD's increasing popularity, reflected in rising poll numbers, has sparked a renewed discussion within the CDU about the effectiveness and practicality of this strategy. Some voices within the CDU argue that the strict non-cooperation approach has failed to weaken the AfD and that a more pragmatic approach might be necessary, while others staunchly defend the firewall as a matter of principle.

Numbers & Facts

Friedrich Merz: Current German Chancellor and CDU leader.
AfD: Alternative für Deutschland, a right-wing political party.
2018: Year the CDU established an incompatibility resolution regarding cooperation with the AfD.
5: Number of federal states holding elections in the upcoming year.
ARD-DeutschlandTrend: A public opinion poll showing the AfD reaching its highest-ever level, equalling the CDU/CSU in voter support.
Peter Tauber, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg: Former leading CDU/CSU politicians who have advocated for a more flexible approach towards the AfD.
Tom Unger: Secretary General of the CDU in Saxony, who believes the approach of other parties to the AfD has been unsuccessful.

Assessment

The internal debate within the CDU reflects a broader struggle in German politics regarding how to deal with the rise of right-wing populism. For Merz, maintaining a clear distance from the AfD is crucial to protect the CDU's identity and prevent it from being pulled further to the right. The CDU aims to appeal to moderate voters and distance itself from the AfD's more extreme positions. However, some CDU members, particularly in eastern Germany, where the AfD enjoys strong support, believe that a more nuanced approach is needed to address the concerns of voters who are drawn to the AfD. The debate highlights the tension between maintaining ideological purity and pragmatically addressing the political realities of a changing electorate.

Outlook

The upcoming regional elections will likely intensify the debate within the CDU. If the AfD performs strongly in these elections, pressure may mount on Merz to reconsider the party's stance. The CDU will need to carefully balance its commitment to the "firewall" with the need to remain competitive and responsive to the concerns of voters. The outcome of this debate will have significant implications for the future of German politics and the country's approach to addressing right-wing populism. It remains to be seen whether the CDU can successfully navigate this challenge and maintain its position as a leading political force in Germany.

Source: https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/afd-debatte-brandmauer-merz-100.html