A growing number of Christian Democratic Union (CDU) politicians are questioning the party’s strict stance restricting cooperation with the national-conservative Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), particularly in eastern states such as Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, and Brandenburg.
The so-called “firewall” policy—designed to exclude the AfD from any political influence—has come under scrutiny, with some party members arguing that it is counterproductive and ignores voter mandates.
CDU Bundestag member Saskia Ludwig has suggested that a CDU-led minority government in Saxony-Anhalt could rely on AfD votes if necessary, while firmly rejecting a formal coalition.
Ludwig emphasized that “a voter vote should be taken very seriously.” She added that if a majority supports reasonable policies,
then you must also use those who have received the voter mandate.
Ludwig argued that the firewall strategy has contributed to the AfD’s growth, stating:
Democracy means equalization and not exclusion.
Other CDU figures from eastern federations share her views. Former party General Secretary Peter Tauber and ex-Defence Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg also criticized the exclusionary policy, noting that in several eastern states, the AfD is now the strongest political force, with nationwide opinion polls placing it ahead of the CDU in voter support.
