Politicians from the CDU and FDP at the AfD summer party: A scandal in MV!

Politicians from the CDU and FDP at the AfD summer party: A scandal in MV!

After a controversial visit by members of the CDU and FDP to the AfD summer festival in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the political mood in the country is tense. The event took place in the picturesque lakeside castle Schorssow in the Rostock district and caused a lot of public conversation. Some politicians from the conservative and middle class have now confirmed their participation in an event that is considered problematic in the eyes of many. The Ostsee-Zeitung reports that a now deleted image on social media shows state parliament members Thomas Diener (CDU) and Sandy van Baal (FDP) shows how they pose with members of the AfD.

The outrage over this visit was not long in coming. Michael Noetzel, the left-wing faction's domestic policy spokesman, expresses his incomprehension and criticizes the conservative-bourgeois camp for showing itself with the AfD. “This is a huge signal to the electorate and to civil society,” he says. Nevertheless, CDU state leader Daniel Peters tries to downplay the matter. He emphasizes that Diener did not take part in the festival as a representative of the CDU state parliamentary group, but as district council president. “We have clear decisions on how to deal with radical parties, and cooperation with the AfD is out of the question,” explains Peters.

Polarizing events and their consequences

We are also looking forward to the reactions from the political landscape. While some politicians have already expressed their displeasure with the visit, there are also voices calling for an apology for the MPs. The summer get-together has the potential to rekindle not only the political landscape in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, but also the nationwide discussion about the similarities and boundaries between the political camps.

The current figures from the Office for the Protection of the Constitution also show how serious the situation is. According to Verfassungsschutz, there are now around 50,250 right-wing extremist people in Germany - an increase of almost 10,000 people compared to the previous year. The number of right-wing extremist crimes rose by 47.4% to 37,835 registered offenses in 2024, while violent crime in this category also increased. So it remains to be seen what political consequences the behavior of the CDU and FDP politicians will have.

Another indication of the looming challenge is the topics that right-wing extremists are focusing on. Agitation on issues such as asylum, migration and anti-queer sentiment is increasing and shows the social cracks that politics in Germany has left behind. The question remains: How does the political leadership, especially within the CDU and FDP, intend to create a sufficient counterweight?

The situation in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania shows that there is something to be done. It remains important to listen to each other and make it clear where boundaries should be. At a time when social tensions are increasing, the visit of the CDU and FDP to the AfD in Schorssow could become a precedent that will spark discussions not only locally but also nationwide.