In a surprising move, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has categorically rejected the idea of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) supporting the AfD in the upcoming vote on the budget law. Speaking to RTL/ntv, Scholz emphasized that there is no reason for the SPD to vote in favor of the AfD, calling it a “taboo break.” He also brought up a statement made by CDU leader Friedrich Merz in November, in which Merz explicitly ruled out any cooperation with the AfD.
Scholz reminded Merz of his own words, in which he stated that the CDU, SPD, Greens and FDP should agree on a joint approach and that they would not jointly pass motions, resolutions, or any other decisions with the AfD. The Chancellor criticized Merz for breaking his own promise, saying that it is no longer possible to trust him on the issue of cooperation with the AfD.
Scholz highlighted the importance of finding common ground in discussions over laws, rather than simply presenting proposals and expecting others to agree or disagree. He accused Merz of pursuing a politics that is not focused on consensus and cooperation, but rather on obtaining the AfD’s approval and that he does not need the SPD’s support for that.