CDU government chief Thorsten Frei strongly criticized the singing of the former East German (DDR) anthem during an event hosted by the AfD, which featured Saxony-Anhalt top candidate Ulrich Siegmund and AfD leader Tino Chrupalla. Speaking to the talk show “Stimme am Morgen” on the broadcaster “Die Welt”, Frei stated that he found the act “extremely bizarre.” He added that this sentiment is particularly pronounced when political representatives engage in such actions, as they are clearly attempting to convey political messaging through them.
Furthermore, Frei maintains that the AfD’s effort to promote a specific East German identity is fundamentally flawed and constitutes a clumsy political strategy. With 36 years having passed since reunification, he argued that the focus should be on strengthening common ground rather than highlighting things that could potentially be divisive.
Frei expressed that East Germany possesses numerous strengths and has developed immensely. He urged the federal government to strategically support the growth of industrial centers in the eastern states. He strongly dismissed any attempt to elevate polarizing or “mythological” elements, insisting instead, “We are a country. We have major challenges together, and that is where we should focus our efforts. That would be the right path.”
