After the migration debate and the controversial vote in the Bundestag, CDU leader Friedrich Merz justified the expected participation of the AfD. The question of whether to engage in such a vote had been on his mind for a long time, he claimed in the ARD’s “Tagesthemen”.
When asked if he had ruled out cooperation with the AfD, Merz said: “Cooperation is cooperation and not a vote where others agree or do not agree.”
Regarding the remark about a “Brandmauer” towards the AfD, Merz replied: “I do not use that word.” The term ‘Brandmauer’ is a false image. “I want the fire behind the wall not to turn into a conflagration for all of Germany” said Merz. What the coalition had done in the last three years had led to the AfD’s current 20 percent support, the Christian Democrat was convinced. “I am not prepared to accept that” Merz added.
Looking at the Friday vote in the Bundestag, the CDU’s chancellor candidate claimed: “I want majorities in the political center of our parliament.” However, he was not willing to be swayed by a minority, Merz added, to bring about votes that are right in substance, but lacking a majority.