Janice R. Andrews
In a decisive interview with DW, Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and frontrunner for chancellor, firmly distanced his party from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). With Germany’s February 23 election looming, Merz emphasized that the CDU would never collaborate with the AfD, a party he accused of seeking to “destroy” the CDU.
Merz’s comments come amid growing scrutiny over the CDU’s recent reliance on AfD votes to pass draft anti-immigration legislation in the Bundestag. The move sparked widespread outrage, with critics accusing the CDU of undermining Germany’s long-standing political “firewall” against extremist parties. Merz, however, insisted that the CDU remains committed to isolating the AfD, a party he described as antithetical to the CDU’s core values.
CDU’s Controversial Reliance on AfD Votes
Last week, the CDU faced backlash after it relied on AfD support to push through a draft bill aimed at tightening immigration rules. While the CDU also secured votes from the Free Democrats (FDP) and the left-wing Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW), it was the AfD’s involvement that drew sharp criticism. The AfD, which Germany’s intelligence services have labeled as “extremist,” has long been ostracized by mainstream parties.
The controversy deepened when a related proposal to limit immigrant entries was defeated, despite AfD support. Many CDU parliamentarians abstained or voted against the measure, signaling internal dissent and a rebuke of Merz’s leadership. The episode has raised questions about the CDU’s strategy and its commitment to maintaining a clear boundary with the far-right.
Mass Protests and Political Fallout
Merz’s decision to bring the immigration bills to a vote triggered mass protests across Germany. Hundreds of thousands of citizens took to the streets, condemning what they saw as a dangerous breach of the political “firewall” that has historically kept extremist parties at bay. This taboo stems from Germany’s painful history with the Nazi party, which rose to power within a democratic system.
In his interview with DW, Merz sought to reassure voters that the CDU has no intention of legitimizing the AfD. “The AfD stands for the exact opposite of everything that is important to us: NATO, Western ties, the European Union, the Euro—the AfD wants out of everything,” he said. Merz also dismissed the possibility of any future cooperation, stating, “You can’t seriously believe that I would have talks with those who openly declare that they want to destroy my party.”
AfD’s Response and Internal CDU Tensions
AfD leader Alice Weidel mocked Merz following the parliamentary votes, calling the failed immigration proposal a “dismantling of Friedrich Merz as candidate for chancellor.” Weidel accused the CDU of imploding, citing defections and former Chancellor Angela Merkel’s rare public criticism of Merz’s leadership. Merkel, who remains a influential figure within the CDU, has expressed concern over the party’s recent maneuvers and its reliance on far-right support.
The internal strife within the CDU highlights the challenges Merz faces as he seeks to unite the party and position himself as a viable chancellor candidate. With the election just weeks away, Merz must navigate a delicate balance between appealing to conservative voters and maintaining the CDU’s centrist credentials.
Merz on European Unity and Trump’s Impact
Beyond domestic politics, Merz addressed Germany’s role in the European Union and the potential challenges posed by a possible second term for U.S. President Donald Trump. He emphasized the importance of European unity in responding to economic pressures, recalling the trade disputes during Trump’s first presidency.
“We’ve experienced all of this before,” Merz said, referring to the tariffs imposed on European steel and aluminum, which were eventually resolved through EU countermeasures. He predicted “some turbulence” but expressed confidence in Europe’s ability to navigate these challenges. “The more united Europe is in this situation, the better off we are, and the stronger we are with respect to Washington,” he added.
Merz also downplayed concerns about Germany’s political stability during the election period, asserting that the Bundestag would remain functional regardless of the outcome. “The Bundestag will remain able to act at any time until the new Bundestag can convene,” he said.
Looking Ahead
As Germany approaches a pivotal election, Friedrich Merz’s leadership and the CDU’s stance on the AfD will remain under intense scrutiny. Merz’s unequivocal rejection of the AfD may help reassure voters concerned about the far-right’s influence, but the CDU’s recent actions have left many questioning its commitment to democratic norms.
The coming weeks will be critical for Merz as he seeks to consolidate support within his party and among the electorate. With the AfD continuing to gain traction, the CDU faces a defining moment in its history. Merz’s ability to navigate these challenges will determine not only his political future but also the direction of Germany’s conservative movement.
In the meantime, Merz’s message is clear: the CDU will not tolerate the AfD, and it will not compromise its principles for political gain. As he told DW, “There couldn’t be a bigger gulf between us.” Whether this stance will resonate with voters remains to be seen.
