German dairy tycoon Müller urges CDU to consider AfD coalition in Baden-Württemberg

Theo Müller, the owner of a major German dairy conglomerate, has called on the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Baden-Württemberg to consider forming a state-level coalition with the Alternative for Germany (AfD).

In an interview with Welt, the 86-year-old businessman said the CDU need not “diminish itself or remain in the shadow of Cem Özdemir.” Instead, he said, it could either govern alongside the AfD or operate with its parliamentary support.

Müller also spoke favourably about Markus Frohnmaier, the AfD’s lead candidate in Baden-Württemberg.

“His statements are entirely reasonable. I fail to see what would be wrong with a CDU-led state government governing together with Mr Frohnmaier’s AfD,” he said.

The remarks came shortly after the final results of the Baden-Württemberg state election were confirmed.

The Greens narrowly emerged as the largest party with 30.2%, ahead of the CDU’s 29.7%. However, both parties are set to hold 56 seats each in the new state parliament.

Because the CDU has ruled out cooperation with the AfD, the only viable path to forming a government remains a continuation of the coalition between the Greens and the CDU. The two parties have governed Baden-Württemberg together since 2016.

Müller has now advised the CDU to field its own candidate in the election for state premier.

“The vote is secret. In the end, no one knows who will vote for whom. In the event of victory, the CDU could say that, out of respect for parliament, any speculation is impossible,” he said.

Müller has previously drawn attention for expressing sympathy toward AfD co-leader Alice Weidel.

Last August, Der Spiegel reported on Müller’s lavish birthday party, attended by Weidel and other figures from the right-wing political spectrum.