Leading Candidate in German Election Declares His Party Will Never Collaborate with the Far Right

In a significant development ahead of Germany’s upcoming election, Friedrich Merz, the leader of the center-right Union bloc, has declared the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) as his "most important opponent." Speaking at a party convention in Berlin on Monday, Merz emphasized that his party would "never" collaborate with the AfD, a statement aimed at addressing recent criticisms regarding his party’s interactions with the far-right group.

Merz’s remarks come in the wake of a controversial parliamentary motion he proposed last week, which sought to tighten Germany’s border policies by increasing the number of migrants turned away. The motion narrowly passed, with crucial support from the AfD, prompting widespread protests and backlash from political opponents. This unprecedented cooperation has raised alarms among critics, including former Chancellor Angela Merkel, who publicly rebuked Merz for his actions.

With the election set for February 23, Merz is keen to solidify his party’s stance against the AfD, which is currently polling in second place. He reiterated his commitment to a strict migration policy, rejecting accusations that he has compromised his party’s values by working alongside the AfD. "We will not work with the party that calls itself Alternative for Germany — not before (the election), not after, never," he asserted, receiving applause from party supporters.

The political landscape has been tense, with tens of thousands of protesters taking to the streets over the weekend to voice their opposition to Merz’s migration policies. The governing coalition, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, has accused Merz of breaking his pledge not to rely on AfD support in parliament, suggesting that his credibility is now in question. Merz, however, remains defiant, insisting that the blame lies with the current government for its unwillingness to reform migration laws.

As the election approaches, Merz’s strategy appears focused on diminishing the influence of the AfD, which he described as a party that opposes Germany’s foundational values, including its commitment to NATO and the euro. "We want to make it small again," he declared, emphasizing his party’s determination to maintain a clear ideological distance from the far-right.

The unfolding political drama highlights the challenges facing Germany as it navigates issues of migration and national identity, with the potential for the AfD’s influence to shape the future of the country’s political landscape. As the election date draws nearer, the stakes are high for Merz and the Union bloc as they seek to rally support and counter the rising tide of far-right sentiment.