Former Federal President Joachim Gauck recently stated that, in the event of potential election outcomes in Saxony-Anhalt, he advocates for a governing coalition comprising both the CDU and the Linkspartei. He elaborated that if the AfD emerges as the strongest force in the September state election, and a democratic majority cannot be formed without the Linkspartei, the CDU would have to abandon its position of incompatibility and engage with the Linkspartei. According to a statement to the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”, Gauck stated, “We would then require a grand coalition of all opponents of the AfD, and that naturally includes the Linkspartei. The CDU will have to swallow this situation in an emergency, as they are not submitting a declaration of affection”.
Despite having previously criticized the Linke as an SED successor party, Gauck offered a wider critique of the current political climate, focusing on the declining confidence in democratic institutions. He attributed this deficit of trust to the perceived failings of the political center, noting that three-quarters of German citizens are unhappy with the performance of those currently in power.
According to Gauck, politics must address observable problems and propose viable solutions. He argued that to win back voters drawn to the AfD, parties need to offer more persuasive results. He advocated for less public discord within governing coalitions and more courage when implementing necessary reforms, suggesting that these advancements could create numerous opportunities to reconnect with disillusioned citizens.
While advocating for cooperation at this level, Gauck firmly maintained that the AfD must be combated decisively because of its current radical stance. He emphasized that he finds the party’s position regarding Putin’s war “unbearable”. He stressed that if the party continues to follow a path of disruption, it remains an “absolute opponent”.
Gauck also offered a nuanced view on local politics, suggesting that the hard line should not apply at the municipal level. He stated that if a mayor needs to make local decisions-such as regulations for kindergartens or setting up bypass roads-that prove difficult without the AfD’s cooperation, he does not view that as necessarily problematic.
Rather than advocating for a complete “firewall” between the CDU and the AfD, Gauck instead envisions a “fortified border”. This boundary, he stressed, must remain distinct, but it must also facilitate dialogue with those who are still receptive to substantive arguments.