CDU Internal Revolt escalates with Call for Harder Line Against AfD, Potential Ban
A growing faction within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is publicly challenging party leader Friedrich MerzS approach to the far-right Choice for Germany (AfD), demanding a complete adn unequivocal rejection of any cooperation and even advocating for a constitutional ban. The initiative, dubbed “Compass Mitte” (Center Compass), released a statement warning that the CDU was founded on the understanding that fascism gains power with conservative assistance and thus “there must be no political cooperation between the CDU and the right-wing extremist AfD.”
The push, reported by Zeit, represents a notable internal rift within the CDU as it struggles to counter the AfD’s rising influence. Signatories argue the party’s current stance is insufficient and that an incompatibility decision with the AfD must apply “to all political levels,” a departure from Merz’s previous suggestion that local-level cooperation with AfD votes could be permissible. This internal pressure comes as the CDU seeks to regain ground after achieving only 28.6 percent in the last federal election.
“Compass Mitte” is also calling for the federal government, Bundestag, or Bundesrat to initiate proceedings with the Federal Constitutional Court to examine the AfD’s constitutionality and potentially ban the party. The initiative draws support from liberal and social wings of the CDU, including Bundestag member Roderich Kiesewetter, former CDU general secretary Ruprecht Polenz, and Monica Wüllner, deputy leader of the CDU’s employee wing.
The group contends that the CDU under Merz has narrowed its political spectrum, leading to lost support, and believes a more visible social and liberal stance is needed to attract a broader electorate and return the party to results of around 40 percent.Former CDU politician Peter Tauber warned, “Red and Green will not stop the afd.”
