Dennis Radtke, chairman of the CDU’s Labor Wing (CDA), strongly rejected any consideration of dialogue with the Alternative for Germany (AfD). Speaking to the “Handelsblatt”, Radtke insisted that the AfD needed to distance itself from right-wing and pro-Russian positions, suggesting that the party must fundamentally change its political DNA, concluding that such speculative ideas were pointless.
Radtke’s strong stance was a response to statements made by former Federal Finance Minister Peer Steinbrück (SPD), who had advocated for a new strategic approach to dealing with the AfD. Steinbrück suggested that parties should define specific red lines across different political sectors where engagement could be possible. He argued that if the AfD failed to respect these boundaries, then cooperation or tolerance was definitively out of the question, though he added that the “firewall” might not need to be permanent.
However, Radtke countered this perspective, arguing that the issue was not one of controlling a stray dog or taming a wild horse. According to him, the AfD, much like Le Pen’s party, desires an entirely different system, country, and Europe. Radtke clarified that the “firewall” should not be viewed as a tool to combat the AfD itself, but rather as a protective barrier for the political center against influence or “infection.” He described it as the clear demarcation line between mainstream democrats and those who openly seek to challenge the rule of law and basic humanity.
The CDU politician concluded by stating that the most crucial assets in fighting extremism are credibility and closeness to the citizens. He noted that deficiencies in these areas are growing, rather than shrinking, and this trend has serious consequences.
