In a heated debate, German Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck (Greens) criticized the Union’s decision to cooperate with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, saying that the Union should not vote with the AfD on any issue. Habeck appealed to the CDU/CSU and FDP, saying “Don’t vote with racists.”
The Greens’ leader emphasized that the current security package, as proposed, must be voted on and that only by adhering to European law can the government fulfill its promise to implement European rights. He criticized the Union’s proposal, stating that it does not meet the required standards.
Habeck also targeted CDU leader Friedrich Merz, saying that Merz should take a closer look at the AfD’s ideology, as he had previously vehemently rejected the idea of cooperating with the party. The Greens’ leader also mentioned that FDP General Secretary Marco Buschmann had already pointed out that the Union’s proposals were in breach of European law.
FDP leader Christian Lindner defended his party’s decision, saying that the current debate did not define their political culture. Lindner claimed that the FDP’s approach to the topic would define their political culture and that the party’s stance on migration was different from that of the Austrian government, which he criticized for its blue-black coalition.
SPD leader Lars Klingbeil strongly attacked Merz, saying “Who is still supposed to believe you?” Klingbeil accused the Union of previously breaking off talks with the SPD and the Greens and then saying “We’ll do it with the AfD if necessary.” He emphasized that the SPD would never tolerate hostility towards immigrants.
AfD leader Alice Weidel criticized SPD Chancellor Olaf Scholz, calling recent anti-far-right demonstrations “tasteless” after the Aschaffenburg incident. Weidel also criticized the Union, saying that the so-called “Brandmauer” (security package) was a cartel agreement to exclude millions of voters and undermine the will of the people.
Alexander Dobrindt, the CSU group leader in the Bundestag, defended the party’s stance, saying that it was not a taboo to do the right thing. He emphasized that Germany was an open and welcoming country, but that it must not be overwhelmed. He criticized the government, saying that it needed to correct its policies to be able to effectively combat the far-right.