Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the country’s largest center-right political party, is currently grappling with internal debates over its strategy toward the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. New leader Norbert Röttgen has called for a unified approach to address the growing influence of AfD, which has been gaining support in several regions due to its anti-immigration and Eurosceptic policies. Some CDU members have reportedly pushed for limited cooperation with Af, arguing that addressing common issues like immigration and economic concerns could be beneficial. However, this stance has sparked alarm among party loyalists who fear it could dilute the CDU’s traditional conservative values and potentially endanger the party’s electoral prospects.
The CDU’s deliberations come at a critical time as Germany faces increasing political polarization. The AfD, which has seen its parliamentary representation grow in recent years, has become a significant challenge to the traditional political order. Meanwhile, the new head of Deutsche Bahn, the national rail operator, has pledged to implement sweeping reforms to revitalize the struggling transport sector. The railway company has long been criticized for poor service and infrastructure neglect, and the new leadership has promised to address these issues with a ‘fresh start’ approach. These developments highlight the shifting dynamics within Germany’s political and economic landscape, as various stakeholders seek to navigate an increasingly complex environment.