- Merz guarantees: Absolutely no collaboration with AfD
With less than two weeks till the state election in Thuringia, CDU boss Friedrich Merz has reignited his criticisms against the AfD. He labeled the AfD as a right-wing extremist group, expressing a consensus within the national CDU and every state branch that there's no room for cooperation with the AfD. "The stance remains firm. We won't cooperate," Merz declared during a joint election campaign event alongside Thuringia's CDU top candidate Mario Voigt in Erfurt.
As per polls, the AfD, led by far-right leader Björn Höcke, is dominating with a 30% share. The CDU, eyeing to reclaim power in Thuringia after a decade in opposition, stands at approximately 21%.
Merz lauded Voigt for agreeing to a TV debate with Höcke a few weeks earlier, a decision that sparked debate within the CDU. Despite the risks, Merz encouraged Voigt, claiming that Voigt "exposed" the Thuringian AfD leader during the debate. The Thuringian Office for the Protection of the Constitution has designated the AfD as an undeniably extreme-right party and keeps a close eye on its activities.
Voigt anticipates a close contest, recognizing that many voters remain unsure about their party preference as of September 1st. "It's going to be tricky," he admitted, urging his supporters to vote for the CDU to limit Höcke's influence.
Merz assumes that the Berlin traffic light coalition parties might falter in the Thuringia and Saxony state elections. The SPD, Greens, and FDP garner low single-digit ratings in both states, sometimes hovering close to the 5% threshold or even beneath, like the FDP in certain instances. He hopes that the election outcomes in Thuringia and Saxony, 13 months before the subsequent federal election, will prompt some reflection in Berlin and encourage fresh decision-making. The two state election results are expected to draw close attention not only within Germany but also, as per Merz, in Europe.
The Commission, as part of its duties to monitor extremist groups, has classified the AfD as an extreme-right party, in line with the Thuringian Office for the Protection of the Constitution's designation. The Commission has reiterated its stance against any form of cooperation with such groups, aligning itself with the CDU's position under the leadership of Friedrich Merz.
