The leadership of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) parliamentary group is distancing itself from CDU member Saskia Ludwig, who represents Brandenburg. The move follows the publication of images showing Ludwig alongside AfD party leader Alice Weidel at an event hosted by the Hungarian conservative think tank, Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC).
A spokesperson for the CDU parliamentary group confirmed to “Der Tagesspiegel” that Ludwig attended the event without the knowledge or endorsement of the group’s leadership. “Ms. Ludwig participated in the event without being mandated by the parliamentary group” the spokesperson stated. “The CDU’s resolution on incompatibility applies and excludes any cooperation with the AfD. Every CDU member is bound by this.
The Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC), known for its association with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, hosted the event last Friday. Investigative journalist Annika Brockschmidt initially reported Ludwig’s participation and Weidel’s presence in the audience via the social media platform Bluesky. Images circulating online depict Weidel and Ludwig engaged in what appears to be a cordial conversation. According to unconfirmed reports, Ludwig reportedly suggested that the notion of maintaining a clear separation between the AfD and CDU is considered problematic in West Germany. She is also said to have commented on the time needed for internal debate on the topic within the CDU. Both Ludwig and the MCC have not responded to requests for comment as of Sunday.
Ludwig had previously advocated for a coalition government involving the CDU and the AfD prior to the federal election. Gordon Hoffmann, General Secretary of the CDU in Brandenburg, reaffirmed the party’s stance, citing a clear resolution passed at a party conference that strictly prohibits coalitions involving cooperation with the AfD. “Anyone who wants to change this needs to organize a new majority. I don’t see any basis for that”.
