Merz: We will not allow the AfD to ruin our country, this party cannot be a partner of the Christian Democrats

Merz: We will not allow the AfD to ruin our country, this party cannot be a partner of the Christian Democrats

Merz Reaffirms CDU’s Stance Against AfD Amid Political Realignment

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reiterated the Christian Democratic Union (CDU)'s rejection of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), emphasizing that the party poses an existential threat to the country's political framework. Speaking after a CDU leadership meeting, Merz stated, "This party has declared its intention to destroy the CDU. It wants a different country" according to DW reporting. The CDU leader underscored the importance of maintaining the postwar "firewall" policy, which bars cooperation with far-right groups, despite the AfD's growing influence in state legislatures and its 20.8% share of votes in February's federal election.

The AfD, now Germany's largest opposition party, has gained traction by positioning itself as an anti-immigration and anti-EU force, polling around 40% in eastern states like Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Merz dismissed the AfD's overtures for collaboration, calling its gestures a "hand that wants to destroy us" according to Politico EU reporting. The CDU's strategy to counter the AfD includes bolstering its presence in eastern Germany, forming expert committees to shape policy agendas, and projecting an image of pragmatic governance.

Internal CDU debates have centered on balancing the firewall policy with practical governance needs. While some members, particularly in eastern Germany, have questioned the firewall's efficacy, Merz has reaffirmed the party's commitment to isolating the AfD. "We will distance ourselves very clearly and explicitly from them," he stated, highlighting fundamental ideological divides.

The CDU's stance carries implications for Germany's political stability as state elections loom in 2026. Meanwhile, the government has pursued other policy priorities, including increased military spending, with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius planning to order additional F-35 jets from Lockheed Martin.

As the AfD's legal challenges to its classification as a right-wing extremist party continue, Merz's leadership faces the dual challenge of maintaining unity within the CDU while addressing the far-right's electoral rise. The firewall's endurance remains central to Germany's democratic framework, with Merz asserting, "We are separated from the AfD by fundamental political convictions" according to DW reporting.

DW, Politico EU: DW, Politico EU
Politico EU: Politico EU