Merz’s Leadership in Jeopardy?

German politician Monika Grütter has explained her abstention from the highly debated resolution proposed by the Union’s faction, citing content-related differences with the CDU’s leadership under Friedrich Merz. “I cannot accept this proximity to the AfD” she told the “Tagesspiegel” (Thursday edition).

Grütter, along with seven other Union members of parliament, had stayed away from the vote on a five-point plan to limit migration. “For me, a red line has been crossed” Grütter added. Antje Tillmann, a CDU member of parliament from Erfurt, had even voted against the controversial motion. The resolution was ultimately approved on Wednesday with the support of the Union, FDP and AfD.