Spahn vs. Lanz: Objection to AfD policy in the Bundestag unleashed!

Spahn vs. Lanz: Objection to AfD policy in the Bundestag unleashed!

Bundestag, Deutschland - On April 16, 2025, CDU politician Jens Spahn discussed his controversial proposal to the AfD in the Bundestag in the ZDF talk show "Markus Lanz". These statements have triggered strong reactions in the political landscape. Critics accuse Spahn of normalizing the AfD and thus questioning the democratic standards. He himself described the accusations as "nonsense". Spahn reacted to a quote from AfD-Co boss Tino Chrupalla, who represents him as a supporter of a "new CDU without a fire wall".

"The outrage is maximum," stated Spahn, and pointed out that he had never used the word "normalization". In the discussion, he also explained that the AfD was still responsible for "gay -anti -gay sayings" in the Bundestag. Moderator Lanz expressed the assumption that Spahn had made an "offer" of the AfD, which it vehemently rejected it. He advocated treating the AfD like any other opposition party and binding it to the existing parliamentary rules.

a leverage against the AfD?

Spahn sees the Union as the "last bulwark" against the AfD. In his opinion, it is important to take voters' backing seriously that gave the party their voices. At the same time, he criticized the AfD attempts to split the Union and promote internal party contrast. These tensions illustrate the pressure to act that is on the Union.

The role of the media in this context is increasingly questioned. WDR director Katrin Vernau demands more courage to deal with the AfD. In an interview, she emphasizes the need to allow a controversial political debate, such as a possible TV duel between AfD politician Björn Höcke and Mario Voigt. However, there are also voices that classify the invitations from AfD representatives to talk shows as problematic. In his book, journalist Michael Kraske addresses the seizure of power of the AfD, while over 100 members of the Bundestag are calling for a party ban against the AfD.

controversy around the AfD

The current discussions about the AfD overlap with various incidents that further complicate the image of this party. An AfD city council under suspicion of terrorism is due to alleged connections to the "Saxon separatist". In addition, a trial against AfD judge Birgit Malsack-Winkemann is underway. These developments show how deeply the fears of extremist radicalization are rooted in society.