Thuringia’s Prime minister Mario Voigt is urging the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) to shift its focus away from the Option for Germany (AfD), arguing that constant discussion surrounding the far-right party is detrimental to the CDU’s own political positioning. Voigt’s comments come amid internal debate within the CDU regarding strategy ahead of key state elections next year.
The CDU currently holds significant power across Germany, providing the Chancellor, eight state governors, a third of city mayors, and two-thirds of district administrators, according to Voigt. He believes the party should confidently assert its role as the leading force in the country, rather than continually reacting to the AfD’s political maneuvers. This debate unfolds as the AfD gains traction in opinion polls, prompting discussions on how best to counter its influence.
Voigt dismissed the concept of a “firewall” against the AfD, labeling it “unsuitable,” ”fear-driven,” and “passive.” He stated, “This constant circling around the AfD as a reference point is destroying us.” He called for “a positive basic sound across the country again,” contrasting it with what he described as the AfD’s “foul mood.”
The CDU leadership recently convened a closed-door meeting two weeks ago to address the AfD challenge. During the meeting, CDU leader Friedrich Merz committed the party to directly confronting the AfD in anticipation of the upcoming state elections. Merz acknowledged the AfD is highly likely to be their ”main opponent” and reaffirmed the CDU’s refusal to cooperate with the party, citing a formal incompatibility resolution. He also warned that the AfD “declaredly wants to destroy” the CDU.