Bundeswehr

Merz ⁣Reaffirms‌ CDU Firewall Against ⁣Cooperation with AfD‍ amid Wehrdienst Debate

BERLIN – Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz emphatically reiterated his party’s commitment to maintaining a strict​ separation from ‌the⁣ Option for⁤ Germany (AfD) on ‍October 18,‌ 2025, as debate intensifies over potential reforms‍ to Germany’s military service policies. Merz’s stance comes as discussions⁣ surrounding a possible reintroduction of some form of mandatory service gain traction, fueled by shifting⁤ geopolitical realities and concerns about national​ security.

The CDU’s firm line against ‍any collaboration with the afd, a party​ widely considered to be right-wing extremist, is​ a ⁤critical point of ​differentiation‌ as Germany grapples ⁣with questions of defense preparedness and generational obligation. The debate over Wehrdienst (military service) has become increasingly ⁣politicized,with the‍ AfD advocating for a more ‌robust military posture and attempting⁢ to position itself ‍as a key voice on security​ issues. Merz’s repeated emphasis on the “firewall” aims to prevent the CDU from being perceived ​as legitimizing the afd’s ⁣agenda or opening the door to⁤ potential alliances.

Recent articles in Die Zeit highlight the evolving discourse surrounding military service. On October 18, 2025, the publication featured ⁤coverage including an ⁤article titled “Wehrdienst: Ihr habt doch‍ einen an der​ Waffe” (“military Service: you’ve got someone on your gun”), and ⁢another, “Wehrpflicht: "Die ⁣Jungen​ sind verwöhnt"”‌ (“Conscription: ​’The⁣ boys are spoiled'”), ⁣the latter quoting remarks attributed to⁢ Merz himself. These pieces reflect a broader national conversation about the obligations of young Germans in an era of heightened global⁣ instability.

merz’s position is​ particularly relevant given the generational divide⁤ on the issue. Concerns⁢ have been raised about the willingness of younger generations, labeled “Gen Z,” ​to risk their lives ‍in service to the state, as ⁣explored ​in Die Zeit’s coverage of‍ the topic. The CDU leader’s commitment‍ to the firewall ‍is intended to ⁤signal that his party will ‍not compromise its democratic principles ⁤in pursuit of security solutions,and‌ will not align ​with a party accused of undermining ⁤those very principles. ⁤The future of Germany’s defense ⁣policy,and the CDU’s role within it,will ⁢likely hinge on navigating this complex political landscape.