Amanze Chinonye
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday firmly rejected any cooperation with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), vowing to uphold a longstanding informal agreement among Germany’s mainstream parties to isolate the party from positions of power.
Speaking at a national conference of his conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Stuttgart, Merz told delegates that the AfD would find no partner in his party.
“We will not allow these people from the so-called Alternative for Germany to ruin our country,” Merz said, drawing applause from party members. “This party cannot be a partner of the CDU.”
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe added that the AfD should expect a “bitter fight” from conservatives determined to defend Germany’s democratic institutions.
Maintaining the Political ‘Firewall’
Merz’s remarks reaffirm the so-called political “firewall” an informal pact among Germany’s established parties to refuse coalition agreements or parliamentary cooperation with the AfD. The policy has been observed at both federal and state levels, with mainstream parties declining to grant AfD lawmakers influential committee chairmanships or governing roles.
The AfD, founded in 2013, has gained support in parts of eastern Germany and has positioned itself as an anti-establishment force. However, the party has faced sustained criticism over nationalist rhetoric and elements within its ranks that have drawn scrutiny from domestic intelligence authorities.
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AfD leaders argue that their systematic exclusion from coalitions and key parliamentary posts undermines democratic representation, pointing to their electoral mandates in several state parliaments.
Historical Sensitivities
The AfD’s rise has unsettled many Germans, with critics drawing uneasy parallels to the early 1930s, when the Nazi Party leveraged electoral gains to enter government before consolidating authoritarian rule. While such comparisons reflect public concern rather than official government characterisation, Germany’s post-war political culture remains deeply shaped by the determination to prevent extremist forces from eroding democratic institutions.
Merz’s address in Stuttgart signalled that, under his leadership, the CDU will continue to reject any alliance that could legitimise the far-right party at a national level.
As Germany faces economic pressures and shifting political dynamics, the debate over how to counter the AfD’s growing support is expected to remain central to the country’s political discourse. For now, Merz has made clear that cooperation is off the table.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
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