Merz once defended his stance, affirming the commitment to maintain a political barrier in Germany to prevent collaboration with the far right. However, as the AfD gains momentum, some members of Merz’s conservatives, particularly from eastern German regions, argue that this barrier is insufficient to halt the far right’s rise.
The AfD has become the major opposition party in the Bundestag, gaining ground by positioning itself as a staunch anti-immigration advocate and promoting an anti-war stance critical of Germany’s support for Ukraine and efforts to strengthen the Bundeswehr as Europe’s leading military force.
Merz’s remarks surface amidst ongoing discussions in his center-right party about addressing the AfD ahead of next year’s state elections, particularly in two eastern states where the AfD is polling at around 40%, significantly ahead of other parties.
“We aspire to win all these elections and maintain our status as the leading political force in Germany,” Merz stated after a seven-and-a-half-hour meeting with party leaders on Sunday, aimed at formulating a strategy for the forthcoming election year.
CDU’s secretary-general, Carsten Linnemann, introduced a three-fold strategy to challenge the AfD.
Firstly, strengthening the CDU’s presence in the two eastern German states where the AfD leads in polls to counteract local dominance. Secondly, establishing expert committees to craft ideas to shape the political agenda, which should achieve the third objective: fostering a positive view of the CDU as a solution-seeking party, unlike the AfD, which highlights problems.
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