CDU signals softening stance toward AfD

Following the early federal elections on February 23, the Christian Democrats (CDU), after emerging as the leading party and deciding to form a coalition with the third-placed SPD, are signaling a more “nuanced” approach to the Alternative for Germany (AfD), a party with which they had previously refused any association.

Despite the black-red (CDU/CSU-SPD) coalition agreement including a clause to avoid any contact with the “far right,” it has been reported that some AfD members of parliament are seeking cooperation by engaging in “backdoor” discussions with other parties in the parliament.

Speaking to POLITICO, AfD officials stated that certain AfD parliamentarians have been establishing connections with members of other parties behind closed doors and have received signals of support for the group, which advocates anti-immigration and anti-EU policies, to chair key parliamentary panels.

The AfD has become the main opposition party in the Federal Parliament, securing over 20% of the vote and winning 152 seats, which entitles it to chair various committees.

These positions hold real power, as committee chairs guide discussions, summon expert witnesses, and influence the legislative agenda.

Jens Spahn, a heavyweight in the CDU and former health minister, told Bild that the AfD should be treated “like any other opposition party in parliamentary procedure and processes.”

He added that the parliamentarians “are sitting there so strongly because the voters wanted to tell us something” and that “we have to take these voters seriously.”

Up until now, the AfD has repeatedly been prevented from taking the vice-presidency of the Federal Parliament, a role historically given to each parliamentary group.

Johann Wadephul, deputy chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, argued that the blockade has helped the AfD claim victimhood.

Wadephul told RND that he would support AfD candidates being allowed to chair committees “if they have not behaved inappropriately in the past.”

During the election campaign, Merz attempted to pass a law on immigration by relying on votes from the AfD in parliament, which drew much criticism.

According to POLITICO, the CDU’s strategy appears to be shifting toward giving the far right responsibilities and airtime, “in the hope that people won’t like it.”

CDU parliamentarian Philipp Amthor, seen as a rising star within the party, told faz newspaper, “There is a legitimate point that this party must be pushed back through passionate and substantive debates, not procedural tricks.”

However, not all CDU members are embracing this new attitude. Roderich Kiesewetter, a long-serving parliamentarian, described the AfD as “a security threat to Germany,” arguing to broadcaster RBB that “AfD members of parliament do not belong on the parliamentary oversight panel that oversees the intelligence services, just as they do not belong on the budget trust committee.”

Last week, the SPD, which entered into a government agreement with Merz’s party, has already begun to clash with the CDU on this issue. Speaking to Tagesspiegel, SPD Parliamentary Secretary Katja Mast said, “The AfD is not a party like any other. We will protect our democratic institutions, especially our parliament, with complete resolve.”

Negotiations for committee chairmanships are still ongoing and are likely to conclude after May 6, when Merz is expected to be sworn in.