The conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party is gearing up for Germany's February 23 election with its candidate for chancellor, Friedrich Merz, spearheading a controversial new strategy focused on immigration and economic reforms. On Monday, the CDU adopted what it termed as an "immediate program" intended to tackle the pressing issues of the nation. This plan, enthusiastically embraced by the CDU delegates, has garnered significant attention and led to public backlash over its perceived collaboration with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).
Merz's conservative bloc, including the Bavarian sister party, CSU, is viewed as the frontrunner to lead the next government. Yet, the CDU/CSU coalition is facing mounting criticism for its recent legislative maneuvers concerning immigration. Last Wednesday, the party found itself at the center of controversy after securing support from the AfD for its immigration law proposals during a parliamentary vote.
During the recent CDU conference, delegates unanimously approved the 15-point plan, which aims to restrict irregular migration, bolster the economy, and heighten internal security. Merz energetically promised party members there would be "no cooperation, there is no tolerance, there is no minority government, nothing at all" with the AfD. This assertion elicited enthusiastic applause from the nearly 1,000 delegates present. He was adamant: "We will not work with the party who calls itself the Alternative for Germany. Not before, not after, never," emphasizing the party's commitment to preventing the AfD from gaining any more political foothold.
Despite Merz's powerful rhetoric, his approach has sparked widespread protests across Germany. Tens of thousands have rallied, with protest signs reading "Shame on you, CDU" among others. The protests have grown with claims of up to 250,000 participants participating during significant marches, expressing their discontent over what they see as integrating extremist views within mainstream politics.
Among those voicing opposition to Merz's direction was Bavarian State Premier Markus Söder, who asserted, "We must not leave our country to the AfD." Commenting on the growing tensions, Söder reaffirmed the CDU/CSU's stance of rejecting any coalitions with the far-right party.
Meanwhile, the AfD's historic backing of CDU/CSU proposals sent shockwaves through the political sphere, igniting claims from critics who argue this signals the breakdown of the long-standing "firewall" separating mainstream parties from far-right influences. Some have accused Merz's tactics of jeopardizing Germany's democratic values and political integrity.
DW's Chief Political Editor, Michaela Küfner, remarked on the potential backlash against the CDU. "At the very least, Merz has energized potential voters of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats and the Greens, who are both struggling in the polls," she noted, remarking on the dilemma faced by the CDU as they seek to appeal to voters concerned about immigration.
The political atmosphere is shifting as the Green Party and the Left Party have both reported surges in memberships following Merz's controversial moves. The Greens, having previously suffered from low approval ratings, registered 5,000 new membership applications between the recent days of protest. Similarly, the Left Party reported more than 11,000 new members, calling this trend the result of the growing dissatisfaction with the Conservative platform.
Merz, who has acknowledged the historical significance of his interactions with the AfD, has maintained focus on hardline migration proposals, insisting on measures to limit irregular immigration and presenting them as necessary for Germany’s security. Amid these pressures, his aggressive messaging has gained him considerable applause from party loyalists, even as it raises concerns from the broader public.
During his speech, Merz questioned the motives of the protestors, saying, “I want to know: Where is the uprising of decent people?" He positioned himself as the defender of law and order, stating mainstream parties needed to respond more vigorously to violent crime or risk losing to extremist groups. He issued caution, asserting, "If we don’t manage this, Germany risks sliding..." echoing sentiments of urgency among his supporters.
With the February 23 election drawing near, the broad implications of Merz's strategies remain to be seen. Analysts suggest his gamble to embrace restrictive immigration rhetoric alongside courting far-right support may backfire, jeopardizing his lead as discontent grows among moderate voters. The CDU's confidence will be tested as they navigate this complex political climate fraught with protests and rising tensions.
Looking forward, Merz's path appears fraught with challenges. Whether he can consolidate support within the CDU without alienates moderates—or inadvertently empowering the AfD—will significantly shape the political future of Germany. With increasing scrutiny on his decisions and public discontent reaching new heights, the chancellor candidates are eager to define the outcomes of their political maneuvers.