A leading figure within the CDU’s worker’s wing has issued a stark warning against any potential rapprochement with the far-right AfD, cautioning that such a move would be “devastating” for the conservative party. Dennis Radtke, chairman of the CDU worker’s group, voiced his concerns in an interview with the “Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger”, emphasizing the potential for irreversible damage to the party’s integrity.
Radtke’s remarks follow recent electoral gains for the AfD, particularly in eastern German states, fuelling speculation about potential coalition arrangements. He argued that facilitating the AfD’s access to government positions – specifically referencing the state chancellery – would constitute a “historical sin” drawing parallels to past political miscalculations that ultimately led to disastrous consequences. “We must avoid repeating mistakes that have defined periods of German history” he stated, suggesting the potential political landscape post-2026 elections in eastern Germany could be unrecognizable.
Beyond the AfD question, Radtke also challenged the party’s internal compass. A recent study by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation revealed a significant divergence between the views of CDU voters and its members, with party members consistently positioned further to the right than the broader electorate. He underscored the imperative for the party leadership to prioritize the concerns of voters, rather than catering to the preferences of influential party functionaries. “We need to ensure our policies resonate with the people we represent, not those who hold positions within the party structure” he declared.
Furthermore, Radtke criticized the current federal government’s perceived inaction on pressing economic challenges. He highlighted the struggles faced by working families, struggling to make ends meet despite dual-income households, citing soaring rent, diminishing property ownership and escalating living costs. He questioned the government’s focus, specifically highlighting the protracted and contentious debate surrounding the Bürgergeld (citizens’ income) reform and the ongoing discussion on pension adjustments. He pointed to the example of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) – and its comparatively successful electoral performance – attributing it to the pragmatic, low-profile governance of the black-green coalition led by Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst, who he praised for internal problem-solving and a focus on tangible results.