A simmering debate within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) regarding potential collaboration with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is triggering alarm and accusations of undermining the ruling coalition. SPD General Secretary Tim Klüssendorf has condemned the emerging discussions as a “fatal signal” asserting that engaging with extremist groups is counterproductive to combating them.
The controversy stems from recent commentary in German media by prominent former CDU figures – including former General Secretary Peter Tauber, ex-Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg and Andreas Rödder, formerly head of the CDU’s core values commission – who have publicly advocated for abandoning the established “firewall” policy that prevents cooperation with the AfD. Their arguments, published in “Stern” magazine, centered on the perceived need to forge broader alliances to navigate the current political landscape.
The proposals have ignited fierce internal CDU dissent, with figures like Schleswig-Holstein’s Minister President Daniel Günther and Education Minister Karin Prien publicly criticizing the suggestions. However, the initiative has triggered a broader political backlash.
Clara Bünger, the Left party’s spokesperson for domestic policy, characterized the maneuvering as a “test balloon” by the CDU to assess the extent to which it can shift further to the right. She accused the party of openly questioning the coalition agreement, a sentiment echoed by Klüssendorf, who insisted that maintaining a clear line against extremism is paramount, regardless of political expediency.
The emergence of this debate raises critical questions about the CDU’s political strategy and its commitment to safeguarding democratic principles. Critics argue that even considering a softening of the firewall could legitimize the AfD’s extremist views and embolden its increasingly assertive agenda, potentially fracturing the fragile coalition government and destabilizing German politics. The situation exposes a deeper ideological rift within the CDU, forcing the party to confront its stance on extremism and its willingness to compromise core values in pursuit of political gain.