CDU leadership will not tolerate AfD coalition in the East

Normally, a federal party stays out of the process of forming state governments. However, with an eye on the election in Saxony-Anhalt, Frei—the leader of the Union parliamentary group—has now made it clear: a coalition between the CDU's eastern branch and the AfD would not be tolerated.

Following the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, the CDU leadership in Berlin would not allow its state branch to make an independent decision regarding a coalition with the AfD. "The federal party normally stays out of government formation at the state level. However, this fundamental issue affects the entire party," Thorsten Frei, parliamentary group leader of the CDU/CSU, told newspapers belonging to the Funke Media Group.

Frei had been asked whether the CDU in Saxony-Anhalt would remain steadfast if, after the election, it found itself in a position to govern jointly with the AfD. He emphasized: "The ban on cooperation with the AfD is a fundamental policy decision within the CDU." This stance could not be interpreted differently depending on the federal state.

Germany's domestic intelligence agency has classified the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt as a "confirmed right-wing extremist" movement. In opinion polls, the party is running well ahead of the CDU, which currently holds the office of Minister-President—held by Sven Schulze—and governs in a coalition with the SPD and FDP.

That affects us all.

However, Frei acknowledged the foreseeable consequences of the state elections for the federal coalition.

The elections in September certainly wouldn't be a disaster, but they would undoubtedly impact the work of the government in Berlin. "But this affects us all. One thing is clear: for the massive reforms we have set out to achieve, we need strong governing parties and strong party leaders."

Frei backs Merz.

In doing so, Frei also countered speculation that Merz could be replaced as party leader and chancellor should the elections in Saxony-Anhalt, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and Berlin in September turn out disastrously for the CDU.

"Friedrich Merz is the elected Chancellor; he will remain in office for the entire term," said the parliamentary group leader. "The Chancellor's authority is intact."

Translated by Google Translate, mistakes are my own.