The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has firmly rejected internal calls for a potential shift in its stance towards the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, reaffirming its commitment to a strict separation. CDU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn, in an interview with “Bild am Sonntag”, emphatically declared the CDU and its Bavarian sister party, the CSU, constitute an “impenetrable firewall” against the AfD.
Spahn’s remarks directly countered suggestions from within the CDU to re-evaluate engagement with the AfD, notably dismissing the views of former CDU General Secretary Peter Tauber as “completely irrelevant”. He underscored a stark ideological gulf, asserting that while the CDU upholds “decency in political discourse and stands against anti-Semitism and hate speech” the AfD “does not.
The criticism escalated with Spahn labeling the AfD as a “Putin party” a pointed accusation reflecting concerns about the party’s perceived alignment with Russian geopolitical interests. He specifically targeted the AfD’s ambiguous position on mandatory military service, arguing their hesitancy indicates a desire for a weakened Germany unable to defend itself against potential threats stemming from Russia.
The strong rebuke highlights ongoing internal debates within the CDU regarding how to manage the rise of the AfD, particularly as the latter continues to gain traction in regional elections. While some within the party advocate for a more nuanced dialogue to understand and potentially address the anxieties driving support for the AfD, Spahn’s statement demonstrably anchors the CDU on a course of absolute opposition, effectively ruling out any form of collaboration or compromise. This rigid approach, however, also raises questions about the CDU’s long-term strategy in appealing to voters concerned about issues often championed by the AfD, such as immigration and national security.