Friedrich Merz, the German Chancellor, made a strong statement on Friday at a national conference of his conservative party CDU in Stuttgart, rejecting any potential cooperation with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. He emphasized the importance of a tacit agreement among mainstream political actors to isolate the AfD, stating that he believed the party poses a significant threat to Germany's democracy and societal fabric. 'We will not allow these people from the so-called 'Alternative for Germany' to destroy our country,' Merz affirmed, asserting the CDU’s staunch position against forming partnerships with the AfD.

Many Germans are increasingly concerned about the AfD’s rising popularity, which echoes historical parallels to the rise of the Nazi Party in the 1930s, when authoritarian governance took hold through legal channels. This sentiment reflects a broader unease concerning the re-emergence of right-wing populism and its implications for Germany's post-war democratic values. Mainstream parties, including the CDU, have resolved to counteract this resurgence by denying the AfD legitimate parliamentary alliances or positions of power, thereby reinforcing their commitment to safeguarding democratic norms.

The CDU's firm stance against the AfD not only shapes party strategy but also aims to unify other political factions against the far-right's influence. By declaring an uncompromising approach, Merz is calling on collective action from his party members and the broader political sphere to ensure that the AfD remains marginalized in the political discourse. This approach could potentially have significant implications for the future of German politics as parties navigate the complex landscape of by addressing rising extremism while maintaining their core values and electoral strategies.