Wolfgang Kubicki, Chairman of the FDP, and Kristina Schröder, former Federal Minister for Family Affairs of the CDU, both argue that the so-called “firewall” established against the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has failed. Kubicki told the German newspaper “Stern” that the firewall ultimately helped the AfD grow, adding that its defenders must now accept this fact. He noted that the demonization and systematic exclusion of the party no longer deter voters; in fact, he asserted, it has become a successful core element of the party’s brand identity. Kubicki subsequently advocated for a formal normalization in how politicians interact with the AfD, although he stressed that this process must not involve any substantive compromises. He believes that the only way to prove the AfD does not represent abnormal demands is if the party is forced to defend itself and state its views like any other political group.
Schröder echoed these criticisms, also telling “Stern” that the firewall strategy had failed. She proposed a shift in approach, arguing instead for establishing clear “red lines” in dealing with the AfD. In her view, this new approach could potentially make current determinations regarding incompatibilities redundant. The former minister suggested that the AfD would be compelled to grapple with these red lines, a process she believes could ultimately lead to either moderation or internal division within the party.
