Germany's Merz rules out cooperation with far-right AfD

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday categorically ruled out any cooperation with the far-right Alternative for Germany party ahead of next month's state election in Saxony-Anhalt, telling a town hall meeting that the AfD's positions differ so fundamentally from his Christian Democratic Union that no compromises are possible.

Security concerns

Speaking at an event broadcast live by private television network RTL, Merz said the AfD jeopardizes Germany's internal and external security because of its close ties to Russia. "The AfD is a party that, because of its close ties to Russia, also jeopardizes our country's internal and external security," he said, adding that the party maintains "very close ties" to Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin.

Merz noted that the AfD leadership "comes and goes right here at the Russian Embassy in Berlin," describing such connections as incompatible with German security interests. He emphasized that his party's resolution declaring the AfD incompatible remains binding, and that Saxony-Anhalt's Minister President Sven Schulze had already clearly ruled out any cooperation with the far-right party.

European withdrawal

The Christian Democratic leader said the AfD calls into question the "firm anchoring of our value system in our Western world." The party also wants to leave the euro, the EU single market, and the Schengen Area, Merz added, listing these positions as further evidence of the unbridgeable gap between the two parties.

He warned that AfD policies would undermine European integration and isolate Germany from its traditional allies. The chancellor said these fundamental differences make any form of political cooperation impossible, regardless of the electoral outcome in the eastern state.

Coalition scenarios

Asked about possible coalition options following the Sept. 6 election, Merz declined to commit to a specific scenario. He mentioned the possibility of a minority government among other alternatives, but stressed that his Christian Democratic Union would not seek any arrangement with the AfD.

The state election in Saxony-Anhalt is scheduled for September 6, with polls showing the AfD competing for first place in the eastern German state. Merz's Christian Democratic Union currently governs the state in coalition with the Social Democrats and Greens, though recent surveys suggest a fragmented parliament may complicate coalition building.