The leadership of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group is distancing itself from CDU Member of Parliament Saskia Ludwig, representing Brandenburg, following the emergence of photographs showing her alongside AfD party leader Alice Weidel at an event hosted by the Hungarian think tank, Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC).
A spokesperson for the parliamentary group confirmed to “Der Tagesspiegel” that Ludwig attended the event without the knowledge or endorsement of the leadership. They emphasized that the CDU’s established code of conduct, which prohibits collaboration with the AfD, remains in effect and applies to all members.
The Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC) is associated with the political orbit of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Journalist Annika Brockschmidt reported on the social media platform Bluesky that Ludwig participated in an MCC panel discussion last Friday, with Weidel present in the front row. Images circulated online depict Weidel and Ludwig engaged in what appeared to be amicable conversation. According to Brockschmidt’s report, Ludwig reportedly suggested that the concept of a “firewall” between the AfD and CDU was viewed negatively in West Germany, adding that considerable time would be necessary to address the topic within the CDU. These statements remain unconfirmed. Ludwig and the MCC have not responded to requests for comment.
Ludwig previously expressed support for a potential coalition government involving the CDU/CSU and the AfD prior to the federal election. Gordon Hoffmann, General Secretary of the CDU in Brandenburg, told “Der Tagesspiegel” that there is a definitive party convention resolution excluding coalitions involving cooperation with the AfD. He added that anyone seeking to alter this policy would need to secure a new majority, a prospect he deems unlikely.