Michel Friedman, the prominent Frankfurt publicist, has announced his resignation from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), citing the party's recent collaboration with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) during a contentious Bundestag vote on asylum policy. This decision marks what Friedman describes as "a catastrophic watershed for democracy" within the Federal Republic of Germany.
The dramatic shift followed the Bundestag's vote on January 29, 2025, where the CDU, led by its chairman Friedrich Merz, received significant backing from the AfD for tightening asylum regulations. This vote has been described as historic since it was the first occasion where the AfD provided the necessary majority for the CDU's proposals. A total of 187 CDU members, 75 AfD members, and some from the Free Democratic Party (FDP) contributed to the passing of the asylum plan, which drew criticism and raised alarms across the political spectrum.
Friedman, who had been on the CDU's federal board during the 1990s, expressed his disappointment emphatically, stating, "This is a catastrophic watershed for the democracy of the Federal Republic" and denouncing the alliance as "an unforgivable power play". He voiced concerns about the normalization of the AfD, suspecting this collaboration would have far-reaching effects not only at the national level but also on local and regional politics.
"The Pandora's box for normalizing the AfD has been opened with this recent vote," Friedman remarked, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. He criticized the naivety of some within the CDU who insist the party did not intend to seek AfD support, calling such claims overly simplistic and disconnected from the political reality. His resignation has ignited discussions surrounding the integrity of center-right politics and the risks of aligning with extremist factions.
The fallout from this vote has drawn sharp critiques from various quarters, including former Chancellor Angela Merkel, who publicly reprimanded the party's current leadership for deviated from its traditional stance and accepting the AfD's assistance. Merkel, who had previously led with the principle of keeping the AfD at arm’s length, warned of the dangers posed by this shift, urging democratic parties to work together to maintain the integrity of political discourse.
Responses from other CDU members have varied significantly. Youth representative Diana Kinnert voiced her disgust on social media, labeling Merz's actions as "history-blind and mockery," and indicating her discomfort with this new direction, albeit stopping short of announcing her own resignation. Kinnert underscored her belief in being part of a party committed to "European cooperation, not destruction."
Criticism did not just come from within the party but also from external voices. Various church leaders denounced the CDU's strategy, arguing it would stigmatize asylum seekers and worsen societal divides. Their statements emphasized core Christian values, which they believe the CDU is abandoning by courting the far-right party.
The discord generated by this vote and resulting resignation has pressured the CDU to clarify its position moving forward. Some members, including Hessen's Minister President Boris Rhein, defended the party's decisions, claiming it was important for the CDU to present its proposals for voting, asserting, "It is very important and very right for the Union to present its positions for voting," yet still distancing themselves from the idea of any formal collaboration with the AfD.
Yet, as tensions mount within the CDU and criticisms grow louder from coalition partners and the opposition, the very future of the party's integrity and electoral viability hangs critically. With indications of fractures within the Hessen coalition due to differing perspectives on asylum politics, it remains to be seen how these developments will influence upcoming legislative processes.
Overall, Friedman's resignation is symptomatic of broader existential questions for the CDU as it grapples with identity, electoral challenges, and the ramifications of increasingly hardline policies. The political climate appears to be set for contentious debates on migration, asylum rights, and the role of the AfD within German politics.
With tensions rising, the CDU is now faced with the challenge of reconciling its recent actions with its historical commitments to compassion and democratic values.