Saxony’s CDU leader shuts down far-right alliance talks for good

Michael Kretschmer’s blunt dismissal of AfD collaboration isn’t just rhetoric—it’s a decade-old party rule. Why is this line in the sand so unshakable?

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2025 November 24 . 1:07 AM

1 min read

There are group of people holding placards and walking. These are the trees. I can see small... — There are group of people holding placards and walking. These are the trees. I can see small bushes. This is the banner. I can see a building with name boards attached to it. These look like cars. I think these are the current polls.

Kretschmer: Debate on AfD cooperation not helpful - Saxony’s CDU leader shuts down far-right alliance talks for good

Saxony’s Minister-President Michael Kretschmer has firmly rejected any form of cooperation with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). His stance aligns with long-standing CDU policies that explicitly forbid alliances with the party. Kretschmer described ongoing debates about potential collaboration as a waste of time and energy.

The CDU’s position on the AfD has remained consistent for years. In 2018, a party conference resolution banned coalitions or similar arrangements with both the AfD and the Left Party. Two years later, the CDU’s executive board reinforced this stance, declaring there would be 'no cooperation with the AfD—neither direct nor indirect'. These decisions reflect concerns over the AfD’s classification as partly right-wing extremist, particularly in Saxony.

Kretschmer’s rejection of AfD cooperation keeps the CDU in line with its established policies. The party continues to treat the far-right group as beyond the pale for any political alliances. For now, the focus remains on countering the AfD’s appeal by addressing the issues driving its popularity.