At the CSU congress in Nuremberg, CDU and CSU leaders reaffirmed their opposition to the AfD and committed to current migration policies, amid uncertainty about post-election coalitions. CSU’s Söder labeled the AfD a threat to democracy, while CDU’s Merz emphasized no collaboration with them. With upcoming elections, concerns about forming a stable government are rising, and Söder warned against “lending votes” to the FDP, stressing the importance of securing votes for the Union.
Federal Election 2025: CDU and CSU’s Stance
At the recent CSU small party congress in Nuremberg, the CDU and CSU reaffirmed their position against the AfD while committing to uphold the current migration policies. However, uncertainty lingers regarding future coalitions post-election.
During the congress, CSU leader Markus Söder and CDU chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz emphasized their firm stance on continuing the Union’s strict approach to migration. Both leaders unequivocally dismissed any potential collaboration with the AfD.
Merz declared that there would be no government involvement or cooperation with the AfD, highlighting the party’s opposition to core values upheld by the CSU, including Germany’s strong connections with the West and its memberships in the EU, Eurozone, and NATO. “It would be a betrayal of our country and the CDU’s principles to even consider such a policy,” Merz stated. He urged voters seeking genuine change in Germany to avoid supporting the AfD.
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Söder labeled the AfD as a “threat to the free democratic system,” ensuring attendees that there would be no collaboration with them. He urged the delegates to recognize their role as a protective barrier against extremist ideologies.
A motion introduced by the Union to tighten migration policies was recently passed in the Bundestag, with support from the FDP and AfD. This decision sparked nationwide protests, drawing tens of thousands to the streets. Demonstrations against right-wing extremism and the AfD are scheduled in various cities, with a significant rally planned in Munich under the slogan “Democracy needs you!” where up to 75,000 participants are expected.
The CDU has faced considerable backlash following their recent votes involving the AfD.
Dobrindt Defends Union’s Migration Policy
Söder attributed the rise of the AfD to the SPD and the Greens, warning that if the current coalition continues, the AfD’s influence will grow unchecked. He stressed that there is an element of “right-wing extremism” within the AfD, with some members being publicly labeled as Nazis. “Many are unfit for leadership, and we must stand against them,” he asserted.
CSU regional group leader Alexander Dobrindt criticized the traffic light coalition parties for being out of touch and defended the Union’s decision to accept AfD votes to advance their asylum policy objectives.
Dobrindt argued that the real issue lies with the SPD and Greens avoiding necessary debates and solutions. He underscored that the Union must remain steadfast in the face of public criticism to prevent citizens from gravitating toward radical parties, positioning the Union as the “bulwark” against the AfD.
As the federal election approaches, polling indicates little movement in public opinion. Insights from pollsters reflect the current sentiment.
Merz’s Approach Towards SPD and Greens
When discussing potential coalition formations after the federal election, Söder expressed doubts about collaborating with the SPD or Greens, particularly regarding their differing views on migration. “Engaging with the SPD may be uncertain, but I can say for certain that the Greens will not cooperate on effectively limiting migration,” Söder remarked.
Merz, however, took a more conciliatory tone, noting that the Union had previously worked with the SPD and Greens to pass legislation after the collapse of the traffic light government. He expressed a desire for “reasonable discussions” with these parties after the election.
Public concerns have escalated regarding the possibility of failing to establish a stable federal government following the election on February 23, with a recent Germany Trend survey indicating that 69 percent of respondents are worried about this outcome.
The Union’s strategy of accepting AfD votes continues to divide public opinion, contributing to fears of an unstable government after the election.
Söder’s Warning Against ‘Lending Votes’ to the FDP
Despite the challenges of forming a coalition with the SPD and Greens, Söder adopted a more assertive stance towards the FDP. He urged voters not to support the FDP through “lending votes” in the upcoming federal election.
“Let’s not give anything away,” Söder cautioned, emphasizing the importance of securing both the first and second votes. Currently, the FDP is polling at around four percent, which would prevent them from re-entering the Bundestag.
If Union supporters cast their first vote for the CDU or CSU but their second vote for the FDP, it could help the Liberals surpass the five percent threshold.
For further insights, analyses, and interviews on the 2025 federal election, visit tagesschau.de – your go-to source for news and in-depth reports on current events.
This topic was reported by tagesschau24 on February 8, 2025, at 14:00.