Cologne CDU Advocates Open but Clear Stance Against AfD Amid Political Tensions

Serap Güler, chairwoman of the Cologne CDU and State Minister in the Foreign Office, has called for a 'fear-free approach' to dealing with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) at the municipal level. In an interview with WDR, Güler emphasized that the CDU will not withhold its political proposals out of concern that the AfD might support them. She criticized the Greens and SPD in Cologne for accusing the CDU of breaking barriers by accepting AfD support on some initiatives, labeling these accusations as "blackmail."

Güler clarified that while there have been instances in other CDU district associations where proposals were not submitted due to prior AfD support signals, this was not the case in Cologne. She strongly reasserted that the CDU will not collaborate with the AfD or the Left party, highlighting the party’s 2018 Unvereinbarkeitsbeschluss, which prohibits cooperation with both parties.

Furthermore, Güler underlined a strategic shift within the CDU toward combating the AfD through political discourse and content rather than protest or avoidance. This signals a more transparent and assertive approach to opposing AfD influence while maintaining clear boundaries.

This stance contrasts with reactions within the broader German left, such as the SPD and Greens suspending coalition talks with the Left party in Berlin following controversies, illustrating the complexities of political alignments and negotiations. However, for the CDU, the emphasis remains on political engagement without cooperation with far-right forces.

Güler's position marks a significant development in how Germany's main center-right party manages the challenge of the AfD’s growing presence in municipal and regional politics, balancing openness with principled rejection.