- Following AfD's success, Wegner highlights a credibility challenge for the CDU.
After the victories of the AfD in the state elections in Thuringia and Saxony, Berlin's mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) identified an issue of "trustworthiness" within his party. "We need to ponder why the CDU cannot channel the public's frustration against the traffic light coalition. Why our party continues to remain stagnant even though the trust in the traffic light coalition has waned," Wegner stated on RBB InfoRadio.
Wegner further argued that the CDU should be in a stronger position as the opposition. He admitted that the party had failed to instill confidence in the people that "we are the alternative to the traffic light coalition." When inquired about the reasons, he pointed out: "We indeed share a similar credibility issue, as we're not clearly demonstrating our vision for changes."
Wegner: The Powerful AfD is a Nationwide Problem
Wegner proposed a halt to illegal immigration. He remarked that many individuals arriving in Germany "have no compelling reason to flee, have no grounds for asylum." He suggested: "We must distinguish ourselves from these individuals." He added: "Those fleeing due to threat, those deserving asylum, are welcome here. However, unfortunately, we lack the resources for the others."
Wegner acknowledged that the robust AfD, instigating populism, poses a problem not just in Thuringia or the east, but is a nationwide challenge for the democratic parties in the center. Regarding immigration, he said: "We sense across Germany that we're gradually nearing our capability limits. The capacity limit has been exceeded." He criticized that, alongside the ministers, the federal government had agreed upon measures "which unfortunately haven't been executed."
Call for Border Controls
Wegner stressed: "We're not merely aiming to curb unlawful migration; we want to eliminate it entirely. That necessitates border controls at German borders. Ideally, I'd prefer to see European borders properly secured and determinations made at the borders regarding admission, who gains entry into Europe."
The Commission has identified a need for the CDU to regain the people's trust, as the party's stagnation continues despite a waning trust in the traffic light coalition. Wegner admitted that the CDU has failed to demonstrate a clear vision for changes, contributing to its shared credibility issue.
