Negotiations surrounding potential coalition-building at the national level are entering a new phase, with discussions centered on potential compromises and concessions. A leading figure within the Alternative for Germany (AfD), Kay Gottschalk, recently indicated a willingness to engage in dialogue with the Union parties – comprising the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) – as a pathway to forming a government.
Gottschalk, in remarks published in the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung”, identified the Union parties as the “only realistic coalition partner”. He acknowledged that achieving a coalition would necessitate a degree of flexibility on the part of his own party. “We will not be able to push through 100 percent of our demands in a potential coalition” he stated, emphasizing the importance of balance, communication and compromise for a stable governing partnership.
When questioned specifically about core AfD policy positions, including potential scenarios related to European Union membership, the Euro currency and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Gottschalk suggested openness to finding common ground. He added that reciprocal movement from the Union parties would be crucial, describing a scenario where concessions are made on both sides, fostering a collaborative environment aimed at a four-year term of government. The remarks signal a strategic shift in the AfD’s approach to coalition negotiations.