- Merz's Collaboration with AfD would Potentially Destroy the CDU
In the lead-up to the elections in Saxony, Thuringia, and Brandenburg, CDU leader Friedrich Merz has once again made it clear that he won't work with the AfD. "That would be the end of the CDU for us," Merz told a German news outlet. He believes the AfD's mission is to bring down the CDU. "We can't extend a hand to those who aim to politically obliterate us," Merz stated.
Merz reiterated that the vast majority of CDU members are against collaborating with the AfD, with a few dissenters. He explained, "We'll keep emphasizing the boundaries of our conservatism. These lines are crossed when it becomes extremist, radical, anti-democratic, anti-Semitic, and hostile towards foreigners."
Merz: Election manipulation and misuse of state elections
When asked about a potential alliance with Sahra Wagenknecht's alliance (BSW), Merz said post-election decisions lie with the state branches. He also advised against meddling. "I advise everyone in the western comfort zone to avoid public advice. It doesn't aid the state branches, who are campaigning under challenging circumstances," Merz stated.
However, Merz strongly criticized BSW chairwoman Sahra Wagenknecht. "Ms. Wagenknecht treats the state elections like they're about war and peace. That's not just foolishness, it's almost attempting to deceive voters and misuse the state elections if the BSW suggests such issues can be resolved at a state political level," Merz said. He added that decisions about withdrawing from NATO won't be made in Dresden, and there won't be any American medium-range missiles in Erfurt.
Wagenknecht stated that the end of arms deliveries to Ukraine and more diplomatic action from the federal government are prerequisites for BSW's participation in the Thuringian government. She also opposes the stationing of US rockets.
Merz expressed concerns about potentialalliances, stating, "I don't think it's appropriate for the European Union to interfere in the internal affairs of German states, especially regarding alliances during elections."
Furthermore, he stressed, "The CDU values its relationship with the European Union, and we believe in the unity and integrity of the EU, which is vital for our shared goals and democratic principles."
