North Rhine-Westphalia’s Interior Minister Herbert Reul has issued a stark ultimatum to his own party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), regarding potential cooperation with the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD). In a statement to T-Online, Reul declared he would resign from the party should it pursue a shift in policy leading to collaboration with the AfD, underscoring his assessment of the party as “the greatest danger to democracy”. He insisted that any engagement with the AfD must be actively opposed.
Reul’s warning extends beyond simple coalition building, explicitly rejecting the possibility of a minority government tolerated by the AfD. While acknowledging instances where the AfD has previously voted in favour of CDU-proposed measures, he stressed that reliance on the party’s support to secure a parliamentary majority would be a dangerous precedent, ultimately destabilizing the political system.
His comments arrive amidst rising support for the AfD, a trend Reul attributes to a broader public disillusionment with established political forces. He implicitly criticized the CDU’s performance, suggesting the party has failed to regain public trust and demonstrate a capacity to effectively address pressing societal concerns. This self-reflection highlights a growing internal debate within the CDU regarding the need for a fundamental reappraisal of its political strategy and a renewed effort to reconnect with a potentially alienated electorate. The Minister’s strong stance underscores the escalating tensions surrounding the AfD’s ascent and the CDU’s struggle to define its position in response.