German Leader Rejects Far-Right Party Despite Similar Views

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During a heated election debate on Sunday evening, Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz reaffirmed his commitment to avoiding coalition talks with the Alternative for Germany (AfD), suggesting Germany’s political landscape will remain dominated by establishment parties.

Despite recently collaborating with the AfD on a migration-related vote in the Bundestag, Merz declared that “cooperation will not exist” between his centre-right party and the populist faction, according to NTV.

The debate featured current Chancellor Olaf Scholz from the Social Democrats (SPD), whose government coalition with the Greens and Free Democrats fell apart in November following Trump’s election. The collapse stemmed from concerns about Berlin’s ability to handle relations with a more assertive White House compared to the Biden administration.

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During the exchange, Scholz criticized Merz for breaking the traditional political taboo by working with the AfD on migration policy – the first instance of cooperation with the populist party since its formation in 2013. The establishment parties had previously maintained a strict policy of non-engagement with the AfD.

Scholz voiced apprehension about potential post-election cooperation between the CDU and AfD, though Merz dismissed these concerns, emphasizing fundamental differences between the parties. Yet, observers note significant policy overlap between the AfD and CDU, particularly regarding economic matters and immigration control.

The AfD’s controversial “remigration” policy has drawn criticism from opponents who claim it targets established German citizens of foreign descent. However, the party’s official platform clarifies that such measures would only apply to individuals without legal residence rights.

Despite sharing more common ground with the AfD than Scholz’s SPD on immigration – evidenced by Merz’s criticism of Scholz allowing two million unauthorized entries – the CDU leader appears to favor alignment with the left-leaning Social Democrats over the populist alternative.

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The AfD, led by Alice Weidel, who maintains a same-sex relationship with a Sri Lankan partner, consistently refutes comparisons to National Socialism made by establishment figures.

Merz believes post-election cooperation with the SPD on immigration reform is possible, viewing it as essential to prevent AfD’s growing influence ahead of 2029. Current polls show the AfD holding second place with 20 percent support, behind the CDU-CSU Union’s 28 percent.

A ZDF survey indicates that 50 percent of Germans anticipate Merz forming a leftist coalition, while 43 percent expect an AfD alliance.

Recent mass demonstrations against potential right-wing governance have drawn hundreds of thousands, including 200,000 in Munich. However, Bild newspaper reports suggest many protest organizers receive funding from Berlin’s current left-wing government using taxpayer money.