Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has reiterated his party's stance against forming coalitions with the Left Party and the Alternative for Germany (AfD). Speaking at a conference in Berlin, he emphasized that the CDU has no shared interests with either of these parties and stated unequivocally that the AfD does not represent a 'bourgeois' political stance. This position comes in light of the upcoming state elections in Sachsen-Anhalt, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Berlin, where the CDU is gearing up to secure electoral support.

Merz acknowledged that the formation of a government might be challenging after the elections, but he downplayed the significance of potential political majorities, suggesting that his focus remains on campaigning vigorously within the states involved. He asserted that the party's efforts are directed towards understanding voter preferences and what the electorate makes of the situation. The elections are scheduled for September, and they could significantly impact the political landscape in Germany.

As the country heads towards these pivotal elections, Merz's comments reflect an ongoing division in German politics, particularly regarding the polarizing figures of the AfD and the Left Party. His remarks highlight the CDU's attempts to distance itself from these parties in a bid to consolidate support from centrist voters who may be wary of aligning with more extreme political factions. The outcome of the elections could potentially lead to shifts in political alliances and influence the direction of policies at both state and national levels.