Call for Distance from Far-Right Party
German conservatives are urging their party to create more distance from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). This call comes as members of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democrats (CDU) aim to increase their party’s ratings by emphasizing social values to attract centrist and left-leaning voters.
Formation of "Compass Middle"
Around 30 CDU members have formed a new intra-party group called "Compass Center." This group seeks to highlight the party’s social and liberal values to win back support from voters who may be tempted by the populist AfD. The goal is to make the CDU more visible and attractive to a broader range of people, rather than trying to appease voters on the far right.
Need for Course Correction
The CDU’s current performance, with 28.6 percent in the last federal election, is seen as unsatisfactory. There is a need for a course correction to reach the 40 percent mark expected of a major party. This involves making the CDU’s social and liberal values more visible to attract more people. Former CDU general secretary Ruprecht Polenz, one of the initiators of the new grouping, expressed concern that the party under Merz is focusing too much on narrow values on the right side, potentially disillusioning voters in other parts of the political spectrum.
Concerns Over Party Values
Polenz noted that the nervousness in the party is growing due to stagnant approval ratings. He warned that the CDU risks losing its values if it sees itself as a purely conservative party. For Polenz and "Compass Middle," becoming more attractive to the general German public involves distancing themselves more clearly from the far-right AfD, which they believe should be banned.
Differences in Approach
However, not all elements within the CDU agree on the approach to the AfD. Some, like CDU MPs in the eastern state of Saxony, advocate for a more "pragmatic" approach, suggesting that the party should not be afraid to rely on AfD support in parliament to maintain a "firewall" against the far right. This perspective argues that doing what is right should not be avoided simply because the AfD might also support it.
Internal Debate
The debate within the CDU reflects the challenges of navigating the political landscape while maintaining core values. The call for distance from the AfD underscores the party’s struggle to balance its conservative roots with the need to appeal to a broader electorate. As the CDU navigates these complexities, the outcome will significantly impact its future and the political landscape of Germany.
