A prominent figure within the Christian Democratic Union’s (CDU) social wing has launched a scathing critique of growing calls within the party to abandon the established policy of maintaining a clear distance from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). Dennis Radtke, chairman of the Christian Democratic Work Association, argues that attributing the AfD’s electoral successes to the CDU’s rigid stance represents a profound and dangerous misjudgment.
Speaking to Focus magazine, Radtke asserted that the fundamental error lies not in the CDU’s approach to the AfD, but in deficiencies in the party’s own policy agenda and communication strategy. He cautioned that suggesting a softening of the “firewall” against the AfD, a long-held CDU principle, is a reckless proposition, particularly when considering the potential ramifications of allowing a party with elements deemed potentially unconstitutional to gain increased influence within the constitutional order.
Radtke directly blamed a January resolution proposal, proposing a less confrontational approach to the AfD, for hindering the CDU’s ability to capitalize on favorable circumstances, ultimately contributing to the party’s failure to surpass the 30% mark in recent polling. He suggested that the current governing coalition, comprised of the CDU and SPD, needs to reclaim the political center, rather than attempting a strategic pivot that risks legitimizing extremist narratives.
Beyond the AfD issue, Radtke voiced a broader critique of the government’s direction. He urged a renewed focus on core policy challenges and an end to “craftsmanship and communication errors”. While acknowledging the necessity of adjustments to social welfare programs and immigration policies, he downplayed their significance, suggesting they are not the primary drivers of public discontent. He pointed to anxieties surrounding public broadcasting and even seemingly trivial concerns, like the accidental consumption of vegetarian food, as distractions from more pressing economic and social issues faced by hardworking citizens. The call represents a warning shot across the bow, suggesting a critical re-evaluation is needed if the CDU hopes to reconnect with and retain the trust of its voter base.