Merz: No cooperation with the AfD – This is how the CDU proceeds!

Merz: No cooperation with the AfD – This is how the CDU proceeds!

At a citizens' dialogue in Meschede, Friedrich Merz, the new CDU leader, made it clear that he strictly rejects cooperation with the AfD. “There are fundamental differences between the CDU and the AfD,” emphasizes Merz. These differences affect crucial issues such as the EU, NATO and even conscription. In addition, the debate about how to deal with the AfD is breaking out at a particularly piquant moment: ahead of the upcoming state elections in several federal states such as Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Berlin, Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the AfD's poll numbers are worryingly high radioenneperuhr.de.

Current surveys show that the AfD receives up to 40 percent approval in some regions and is at 27 percent nationwide in an Insa survey. The CDU/CSU, on the other hand, is at 25 percent and the SPD only has 14 percent. Merz describes the AfD as the Union's main opponent and is aware of the need to make the differences to the AfD clear. He criticizes the idea that cooperation with the AfD is conceivable and warns of its influence on German politics.

Political strategy of the CDU

Some CDU politicians fear that the current debate about how to deal with the AfD could put the Union in even more trouble, especially in eastern Germany. There is a fear here that votes could be lost to the AfD. It is a delicate situation, and in order not to find itself in need of explanation, the CDU is looking for ways to deal with the AfD in a controlled manner - but without weakening the incompatibility decision of 2018. This decides that no coalitions or similar cooperations will be entered into with the AfD. Party leaders of the CDU and CSU want to quickly get the debate back on track, because mdr.de emphasizes that this could harm the Union if it is conducted carelessly.

Another important point is the assessment of Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, who calls for a substantive debate with the AfD. CDU vice-chairman Karl-Josef Laumann has already classified the AfD as a “Nazi party,” which shows how seriously the situation is being taken. The SPD general secretary Tim Klüssendorf is also in favor of a clear stop signal against the AfD. The right strategy is crucial here in order not to be politically marginalized, as has already happened to other conservatives in Europe.

Insight into survey results

A new trend change shows that the AfD and CDU/CSU are on par in surveys for the first time. This development is causing additional nervousness within the Union, as it now has to face unexpected competition. The factors that contribute to the strengthening of the AfD are complex and many citizens are unsettled. Therefore, the need to clarify one's own positions is greater than ever. The scenario is based on a deeper social uncertainty that challenges political strategies and forms of communication spiegel.de reported.

The CDU's next steps and its ability to convince voters of its positions will be crucial for the party's future course and Germany's political landscape. Communication strategies must be designed in such a way that the Union not only consolidates its own electorate, but also creates trust in an alternative political voice that draws clear boundaries with the AfD.