Alice Weidel, co-leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has expressed a view that the stance of Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz against potential cooperation with her party is “very credible.
In an interview broadcast on Sunday, Weidel characterized Merz’s position as strategically self-imposed, resulting in policies effectively mirroring those of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), which she implied is a consequence of yielding to the influence of the SPD. She criticized the CDU’s current direction, arguing that despite campaigning on policies closely aligned with the AfD’s platform, the party now appears to be pursuing a left-leaning agenda.
Despite her criticisms, Weidel stated the AfD remains open to dialogue with the CDU and even indicated a willingness to support a minority government led by the CDU under Merz. However, she highlighted the “firewall” erected against collaboration as limiting options for both parties.
Beyond the potential for cooperation, Weidel also suggested that Merz has become a politically damaged figure within the AfD and implied a change in CDU leadership would be necessary for meaningful negotiations to commence. She expressed the need for a “capable CDU politician” to emerge and engage with her party.