Kerth calls on the CDU to work with the AfD – is the pact coming?

Kerth calls on the CDU to work with the AfD – is the pact coming?

In a political change, District Administrator Stefan Kerth from Western Pomerania-Rügen has called on the CDU to formulate concrete conditions for a coalition with the Alternative for Germany (AfD). Kerth, who was formerly a member of the SPD, argues that the world has not ended in regions where nationalist parties are already in power. This statement reflects increasing acceptance of the AfD, which was highly controversial in the German political landscape just a few years ago. Loud Baltic Sea newspaper However, the idea of ​​cooperation is also perceived critically.

The AfD, founded in 2013, has evolved from a Eurosceptic movement into one of the largest and most controversial political forces in Germany. It is currently the largest opposition party in the Bundestag with 151 members. Its electoral performance has increased in recent years, and it received 20.8% of the vote in the last federal election in 2025, a significant increase. Uniquely in the party's history, it was classified as a "confirmed right-wing extremist effort" in May 2025, as in Wikipedia can be read.

The dangers of coalitions

However, Kerth and other critics warn of the consequences of possible collaboration with the AfD. It points to the negative impact that such cooperation could have on freedom of expression and the independence of the judiciary, something already observed in countries such as Hungary and Poland. These states have increasingly undermined democratic structures and values ​​under the influence of national parties. Criticism of the AfD includes its resulting association with xenophobic rhetoric and campaigns such as “remigration” and the spread of “deportation tickets,” which point to a dangerous direction for German politics.

The AfD is becoming increasingly controversial and has been monitored by the constitutional protection authorities since 2018. There are internal conflicts over links to extremist groups, and the party's external image is characterized by tensions. According to reports, there were 86 attacks on AfD members in 2023, the highest among all German parties.

Democratic alternatives called for

In view of the politically charged situation, many democratic parties are calling for them to find their own course and clearly distance themselves from extreme positions. Kerth is seen by opponents as someone who does not sufficiently recognize the dangers of “poker” with the AfD. The question remains: How will the CDU decide? Surveys have shown that citizens are divided - 47% are in favor of banning the AfD, while the other half are against it.

The coming months will be crucial, not just for the CDU, but for the entire German democracy. Germany is at a critical point where the course for the future must be set, and dealing with the AfD will play a central role in this.