AfD
Friedrich Merz links AfD gains in East Germany to disappointed hopes
CDU leader Friedrich Merz attributes the rising popularity of the AfD in East Germany to citizens' disappointed expectations. He warns of the risks posed by right-wing populist parties. This statement comes amid growing poll data showing AfD strength in the East.
CDU leaders seek strategy against AfD rise
Friedrich Merz meets with his closest CDU leadership circle in Berlin on Sunday to find ways to diminish the AfD. The far-right party has closed in on the Union in nationwide polls and approaches 40 percent in eastern states. While Merz upholds the firewall, some Union politicians demand a more normal approach to the AfD.
Björn Höcke sees AfD close to absolute majority in Thuringia
At the AfD party congress in Arnstadt, Thuringia's AfD leader Björn Höcke declared his party is close to an absolute majority. He plans to gain missing votes mainly from wind power opponents. Höcke sharply criticized the current government coalition and demanded the dismissal of the interior minister.
Union politicians call for change in approach to AfD
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Several influential CDU and CSU representatives advocate for normalizing dealings with the AfD. They criticize the current stigmatization and suggest redefining red lines to avoid parliamentary blockades. This comes ahead of state elections in the east, where the AfD is strong in polls.