The conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is facing a stark warning from within its own ranks regarding its longstanding policy of maintaining a strict firewall against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). Former CDU General Secretary Peter Tauber has publicly questioned the effectiveness of this approach, arguing it risks the party’s long-term survival and jeopardizes the stability of the German political landscape.
Speaking in a podcast interview, Tauber detailed a shift in his perspective, asserting that the CDU’s unwavering refusal to engage constructively with the AfD, even to isolate it, has proven counterproductive over the past decade. He cautioned that rigid adherence to this strategy is creating a dangerous entrenchment, leaving the CDU “boxed in” between the left and right and limiting its ability to forge consensus on critical policy issues.
Tauber explicitly stated he is not advocating for coalition-building or collaboration with the AfD. Instead, he proposes a recalibration of the CDU’s stance: presenting its own policy positions for debate and openly inviting the Green Party and the Social Democrats (SPD) to endorse them. He emphasized, however, that if these parties decline, the CDU must be prepared to seek alliances elsewhere to secure a governing majority.
The core of Tauber’s concern lies in what he perceives as the CDU’s subservience to the agenda of the left-wing parties. He argues this constant deference prevents the CDU from pursuing its own unique solutions and fuels a public sentiment that demands an alternative, regardless of the means employed. This, he warns, creates fertile ground for further gains by the AfD and other populist movements.
He directly challenged the notion that the CDU should be compelled to form a government reliant on the support of the leftist Linkspartei solely to prevent an AfD-led administration. Tauber questioned the feasibility of maintaining the CDU’s traditional commitment to state responsibility under such circumstances.
While ruling out any possibility of tolerating an AfD minority government or entering a junior coalition, he also rejected the idea of the CDU blindly endorsing leftist policies simply to shut out the AfD. He believes this inflexible position undermines the CDU’s credibility and further alienates voters seeking genuine alternatives.
Tauber’s critique represents a significant internal debate within the CDU, highlighting the growing discontent with the current political dynamics. His warning underscores the urgency for the party to reassess its strategy and find a path towards broader consensus, or risk facing a future shaped by increasingly polarized politics and potentially destabilizing outcomes for Germany.