Manuela Schwesig, the Minister‑President of Mecklenburg‑Vorpommern, has expressed uncertainty about whether the CDU’s current distance from the AfD will survive the upcoming state elections. At the same time she stressed that her own government will not cooperate with the AfD. “I cannot guarantee that this will not happen” she told Politico, adding, “What is certain is that there will be no collaboration with the AfD”. She said she wants to remain the Minister‑President of a “democratic, stable government”.
Schwesig also made it clear that she would not accept pension cuts. Many residents of Mecklenburg‑Vorpommern rely solely on the statutory pension scheme, so the idea of cutting benefits is “unacceptable” she explained, underscoring that the debate is about citizens’ livelihoods, not a campaign issue.
Defending the SPD’s economic and social agenda, she highlighted measures aimed at strengthening the economy, securing jobs and ensuring social safety nets. These include relief on energy prices, investment through special funds and increased spending on education. In her own state, she pointed to solid economic growth, large-scale investments in education and freely available, comprehensive childcare.
When warned about the AfD’s potential involvement in government, Schwesig warned that it would bring chaos. She described the AfD as a dangerous party that represents the interests of “Putin and Trump” rather than the German people, and she noted that the party stands opposed to essential issues such as the minimum wage, collective wage agreements and social programmes.
