Joachim Gauck slams AfD as 'absolute adversary' over Ukraine stance
Former German President Joachim Gauck has spoken out against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), calling its stance on Russia’s war in Ukraine intolerable. He described the party as an 'absolute adversary' in its current form. His comments come as political tensions rise ahead of regional elections in Saxony-Anhalt. Gauck warned that public trust in democratic institutions is weakening. He blamed the political centre for failing to act decisively, leaving voters frustrated. Recent polls show three-quarters of Germans are unhappy with those in power.
He ruled out any state-level coalition with the AfD but left room for limited local cooperation. Gauck proposed a 'fortified border' between conservatives and the far-right, allowing dialogue only with those willing to engage in rational debate. If the AfD becomes the strongest force in Saxony-Anhalt, Gauck suggested the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) should consider working with the Left Party instead. He stressed that mainstream politics must address real problems and offer clear solutions to win back voters who have shifted to the AfD.
Gauck’s remarks highlight deep divisions in German politics. His call for a CDU-Left coalition in Saxony-Anhalt marks a pragmatic but controversial approach. The debate over how to counter the AfD’s rise is likely to intensify as elections approach.
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