The Green Party’s parliamentary group secretary, Irene Mihalic, has issued a forceful rebuke aimed at dissenting voices within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) as the party prepares for a crucial leadership meeting this weekend. The intervention comes amid growing speculation within the CDU about potentially softening its stance on the Alternative for Germany (AfD), a move Mihalic has condemned as deeply irresponsible.
Speaking to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Mihalic urged the CDU leadership to unequivocally reaffirm its commitment to the “firewall” against the AfD. She argued that any attempt to normalize relations with the far-right party, particularly given the current geopolitical climate, would be a grave error. “The Union cannot, under any circumstances, normalize relations with a party that actively disseminates Putin’s propaganda and falsehoods in the German parliament” she stated.
Mihalic’s criticism follows a stark warning from German intelligence agencies this week, which highlighted the significant threat posed by Russia and by extremist groups and parties that are actively receiving Russian support within Germany – specifically aimed at undermining the country. She directly linked the AfD’s actions to this threat, accusing the party of being fundamentally at odds with the tenets of the German constitution.
“The AfD is in a state of conflict with our constitution” Mihalic insisted. “Any collaboration between democratic parties and the AfD is simply unacceptable”. Her comments underscore the escalating political tensions surrounding the AfD’s growing influence and the ongoing debate within mainstream conservative circles regarding how to effectively counter its appeal, while maintaining the integrity of Germany’s democratic foundations. The upcoming CDU leadership meeting is expected to be pivotal in determining the party’s strategy and its position within this increasingly polarized political landscape.