|
CDU's Eastern Leaders Counter AfD Alliance Criticism
2025-02-08 11:00:09
Politics
Migration

CDU's Eastern Leaders Counter AfD Alliance Criticism

Image courtesy of : AFP (FABRICE COFFRINI)

Leading CDU politicians from East Germany have rejected criticism from the SPD and Greens regarding the CDU's cooperation with the AfD in the Bundestag. Thuringia's Minister-President Mario Voigt emphasized the need to tackle issues directly, such as irregular migration, rather than letting the AfD dictate the narrative. Similar sentiments were echoed by Saxony's Minister-President Michael Kretschmer and Brandenburg's CDU leader Jan Redmann.

Recently, CDU leader Friedrich Merz proposed a stricter migration policy that narrowly passed with AfD support, sparking nationwide protests. Kretschmer argued that democracy is best defended by addressing pressing public concerns rather than politically defined problems. He warned of rising populism if migration issues are not adequately addressed.

Redmann stated that the Brandenburg CDU would not withdraw its legislative proposals despite government instability. He assured that the CDU would not depend on the AfD's voting behavior. The controversy highlights a growing tension within the CDU regarding its stance on migration and its relationship with the far-right AfD, amidst a broader national debate on these crucial issues.

Related news on that topic:

Merz's Migration Stance and Political Polarization in Germany

Friedrich Merz, the CDU leader and Union's chancellor candidate, has recently seen a slight rise in approval following his contentious migration policy stance. Despite national protests and collaboration with AfD votes, the ZDF 'Politbarometer' indicates a two-point increase, bringing his preference to 32%. This uptick comes amidst heated debates around his migration policy, which has stirred significant political rifts, especially with the churches and within the Union. Merz's approach to migration, advocating stricter regulations, has maintained the Union's stable lead in polls despite controversies. His acceptance of AfD support for legislative proposals has sparked criticism from various quarters, yet it hasn't drastically altered the Union's position in the polls, sitting at 30%. The political landscape remains polarized, with the SPD and Greens trailing and the AfD securing a substantial 20%. The debate over migration continues to be a pivotal issue, influencing voter sentiment as Germany approaches the 2025 Bundestag elections. Meanwhile, Merkel's critique of Merz and the ongoing tension with churches highlight the fractures within German political discourse, emphasizing the complexity of coalition dynamics and party alliances. The outcome of these tensions remains to be seen as the election date nears.

Germany Faces Political Shifts Amid Federal Election Campaign

Germany's political landscape is witnessing notable shifts in the run-up to the federal election. Recent polls indicate a slight gain for both the CDU/CSU Union and the AfD, with Friedrich Merz, the CDU leader and chancellor candidate, experiencing an upswing in personal ratings. Despite these gains, the SPD remains stable, while the Greens suffer a loss in support. The election campaign has been marked by heated debates, particularly around immigration policies. Merz's proposal on immigration control has sparked significant protests and controversies, leading to a broader discussion on collaboration between the CDU and the AfD. This has reignited the 'Brandmauer' debate, particularly within the East German CDU, questioning the party's stance on cooperating with the far-right AfD. Amid these tensions, the Union remains the strongest political force, with the AfD solidifying its position as the second-largest party in several regions. Surveys suggest a preference for a coalition between the Union and SPD, though a significant minority favors a Union-AfD alliance. The political discourse is further complicated by large financial contributions supporting various parties, notably from international donors. As the election approaches, the CDU/CSU is advocating for tax cuts and stricter immigration policies, while the AfD remains focused on opposing EU integration and climate action. In contrast, the SPD and Greens push for increased public investment and progressive reforms. The evolving political dynamics underscore the complexity and unpredictability of the upcoming election, with significant implications for Germany's future governance. Postal voting has already commenced, setting the stage for a contentious electoral process.

Read 27 more recent news on this topic

The press radar on this topic:

AFP
7. Februar 2025 um 13:01

CDU State Premiers in the East Reject "Firewall" Criticism

Politics
Leading CDU politicians from East Germany, such as Thuringia's Prime Minister Mario Voigt, Saxony's Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer, and Brandenburg's CDU state party leader Jan Redmann, reject criticism from the SPD and Greens about the Union's cooperation with the AfD in the Bundestag. They emphasize that they need to solve the problems of the population, such as irregular migration, and not ignore the populism of the AfD. In the Bundestag, CDU chairman Friedrich Merz had introduced a motion..
derstandard
8. Februar 2025 um 07:00

Why the ÖVP doesn't know any firewall

Politics
In Germany, hundreds of thousands protested because the CDU passed a motion with the AfD. Why are conservatives in Austria so much closer to the right-wing?
zeit
8. Februar 2025 um 05:30

Joining and Leaving: Membership Boom in the Election Campaign - Which Parties Benefit

Politics
Before the federal election, the Left, the Greens and the AfD are recording a significant increase in the number of members in Lower Saxony and Bremen. The Left is reaching record levels with over 5,250 members in Lower Saxony and 1,140 in Bremen. The Greens are also gaining over 1,140 new members in Lower Saxony and 90 in Bremen. The AfD is also reporting a strong increase of almost 600 new members in Lower Saxony.
t-online
8. Februar 2025 um 08:20

Hannover: Mayor Belit Onay on Merz's Asylum Policy - "Turbulent Week"

Politics
Mayor Onay criticizes the cooperation of the CDU with the AfD in the vote on migration policy in the Bundestag. He emphasizes that migration and security policy should not be mixed and demands that dangerous individuals be consistently deported. Onay is concerned about the increasing polarization in society and calls for a more respectful interaction between the democratic parties.
CW

Account

Waiting list for the personalized area


Welcome!

InfoBud.news

infobud.news is an AI-driven news aggregator that simplifies global news, offering customizable feeds in all languages for tailored insights into tech, finance, politics, and more. It provides precise, relevant news updates, overcoming conventional search tool limitations. Due to the diversity of news sources, it provides precise and relevant news updates, focusing entirely on the facts without influencing opinion. Read moreExpand

Spotlighting today's most mentioned stocks in the media. Uncover the stories making waves in the stock market:

A closer look at the individuals who are leading today's news narratives. Find out what makes them the center of attention.

Exploring the five locations receiving the most media attention in the last 24 hours. Discover what puts these places in the global spotlight

Your World, Tailored News: Navigate The News Jungle With AI-Powered Precision!

News

All News
Politics
Technology
Economy
Business
Climate

About

About Us
Team + Mission

Legal

Cookie Settings
Disclaimer
Legal Notice
Data Privacy

Contact

Contact