CDU Chief and Union Chancellor Candidate Friedrich Merz Warns Voters Against Voting for AfD in the Upcoming Federal Election.
Merz, the candidate of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) for the chancellorship, warned voters against casting their ballots for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the February federal election. He stated in an interview with the German newspaper “Welt am Sonntag” that every vote for the AfD is, in essence, a vote for the left parties to gain more influence, whereas votes for the CDU would enable a thorough and comprehensive policy change in Germany.
Merz emphasized that if the Union fails to implement the announced policy change, for instance, a U-turn in migration policy, due to the need to form a coalition with a strong Social Democratic Party (SPD) or the Greens, “then it’s the AfD voters’ fault.” He believes that votes for the AfD would deprive the Union of the necessary support.
The Union’s chancellor candidate declared, “On election day, the Union must be so strong that it can determine the direction the country takes. Those parties that want to join the way can do so, and those that don’t want to will be left behind on the wayside.”
Merz has previously distanced himself from the Greens in an interview with the “Welt” newspaper and has now also taken a step back from the SPD, stating that the party has indeed shifted further to the left in recent years, and that they have significant differences, particularly in economic policy.
Merz expressed optimism about the CDU’s chances in the federal election, stating that they can still surpass the current poll numbers of around 30 percent. “Many voters are still waiting and will make their decision shortly before the election. They also remember that the Union was partly responsible for past mistakes, for instance, in immigration policy. We have corrected many of those mistakes” he said.