Merz ally challenges Germany's far-right firewall ahead of crucial state elections

A political debate has erupted in Germany over whether conservative parties should cooperate with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). Michael Kretschmer, premier of the eastern state of Saxony and an ally of CDU leader Friedrich Merz, has publicly called for a reconsideration of the so-called "firewall" against the AfD.

In an interview with Handelsblatt, Kretschmer said: "Anyone who still talks about firewalls hasn't recognized the signs of the times. We need to talk to anyone who wants to talk." His comments have strained tensions within Merz's camp, as Merz consistently rules out any cooperation with the far right, invoking Germany's Nazi past.

Polls show the AfD could win an outright majority in Saxony-Anhalt on September 6 and perform strongly in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin. Nationally, the AfD leads with 28% support, ahead of the CDU's 22%.

At a press conference, Merz stated: "If a far-right party were to enter government in Germany, it would have a completely different significance than in another country. This is tied to our history. I will do everything in my power to prevent it."

However, regional politicians increasingly question whether promises to avoid cooperation with both the AfD and the Left Party can be upheld given the parties' strength. The Left Party is particularly strong in the east, and the CDU maintains a distance from it per a 2018 party resolution.

The Social Democrats (SPD) have demanded clarity from their coalition partners. Berlin's lead candidate Steffen Krach called on the CDU to admit it already cooperates with the Left Party in Saxony and Thuringia's minority governments.

The AfD, meanwhile, expressed openness to talks, but its lawmaker Torben Braga argued that the party has no strategic interest in supporting a minority government after the elections, given its near-absolute majority in polls.