The escalating debate surrounding potential coalition arrangements in North Rhine-Westphalia has seen a prominent voice within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) issue a stark warning regarding collaboration with the Alternative for Germany (AfD). Interior Minister Herbert Reul delivered a direct ultimatum to his party, stating his departure would be inevitable should the CDU pursue a partnership with the far-right party.
Speaking to the online news portal T-Online, Reul characterized the AfD and its ideology as “the greatest danger to democracy” emphasizing the necessity of an unwavering opposition. He rejected any notion of compromise, asserting that interaction with the party should remain limited and defined by staunch resistance.
Beyond outright coalitions, Reul also expressed concerns regarding the potential for minority governments reliant on AfD support. While acknowledging instances where the AfD has previously voted in favor of CDU-initiated proposals in Düsseldorf – a reality he deemed unavoidable – he drew a clear distinction. He warned that regular dependence on the AfD to secure parliamentary majorities would be untenable and ultimately detrimental to the stability of governance.
Reul’s forceful statements come against a backdrop of increasingly impressive electoral performance by the AfD, a trend that has prompted introspection within the CDU. The Interior Minister acknowledged that the party currently struggles to regain public trust, suggesting a critical failure to effectively address citizen concerns and demonstrate a capacity for problem-solving. This, he implied, creates an environment fertile for extremist ideologies to gain traction. The challenge now facing the CDU, Reul’s remarks suggest, is not merely to contain the AfD through opposition, but to fundamentally reassess how it connects with and addresses the anxieties fueling its growing popularity.
