Cross-Party Controversy as CDU and AfD Members Form ‘Wendepunkt Deutschland’ Association

A new association named 'Wendepunkt Deutschland' has been founded in Cologne by members from the CDU, AfD, and reportedly the SPD, sparking controversy due to existing party prohibitions on cooperation with the AfD. The association’s leadership includes Dennis Splitt, a CDU member and deputy chairman of the Young Union in Cologne-Lindenthal, as chairman, and Matthias Büschges, the AfD's parliamentary manager in Cologne, as deputy chairman. The initiative draws inspiration from the American organization 'Turning Point USA', founded by activist Charlie Kirk.

Despite CDU rules explicitly forbidding collaboration with the AfD, Splitt maintains that his participation is as a private individual, focused on promoting free debate rather than formal cooperation. He declared he would contest any exclusion procedures. However, the CDU is taking a firm stance, with Serap Güler, head of Cologne's CDU, announcing plans to propose exclusion proceedings against Splitt at the upcoming January party board meeting, calling his involvement "unacceptable." The SPD is also considering disciplinary actions against its members involved.

This development highlights the tensions within German politics about cross-party collaborations, especially involving the AfD, given its controversial status. The association also reportedly includes a young woman affiliated with the Sahra Wagenknecht alliance as press spokesperson, adding complexity to the alliance’s dynamics. The formation of 'Wendepunkt Deutschland' points to emerging fractures and unconventional partnerships ahead of upcoming political debates in Germany.