The chairman of the Christian Democratic Employees’ Association (CDA), Dennis Radtke, has cautioned against a misplaced focus in the upcoming local election campaign in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Speaking to the Handelsblatt, Radtke stated that issues of asylum and migration are central to the agenda of the Alternative for Germany (AfD). He argued that concentrating solely on these topics would be a strategic error, emphasizing the need for solutions without constant reiteration of the problems.
Radtke also expressed concern that the AfD is benefiting from shortcomings in social policy. He identified the cost of living, particularly the availability of affordable housing, as a key social issue affecting a broad range of the population, extending well into the middle class. The increasing struggle of many to make ends meet, despite hard work, is, he warned, a significant factor driving support for the AfD.
He further noted that perceived systemic failures – including cumbersome bureaucracy, shortages in care and childcare facilities, deteriorating infrastructure and neglected public spaces – are creating a sense that things are not working effectively in the country. The local elections in North Rhine-Westphalia are scheduled to take place on September 14th.