Friedrich Merz Criticizes US Vice President Vance Over AfD Support

Friedrich Merz, a leading candidate for Chancellor in Germany, criticized U.S. Vice President JD Vance for supporting the far-right AfD party. Merz stated that his party, the CDU/CSU, will not engage with the AfD following the elections. He emphasized maintaining respect in international relations, especially concerning election legitimacy. Current polls indicate Merz’s party leads but must form coalitions to govern effectively.

Friedrich Merz, the leading candidate for Chancellor of Germany, has publicly criticized U.S. Vice President JD Vance for his recent endorsement of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. During a chancellor candidates’ debate, Merz, who leads the Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU), stated firmly that his party would neither collaborate nor enter coalition discussions with the AfD following the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for February 23. This statement underscores the CDU/CSU’s commitment to excluding the far-right from Germany’s political landscape.

Merz emphasized his independence by asserting, “I will not let US Vice President tell me who I have to talk to here in Germany,” highlighting the need for mutual respect in international relations. He also referenced the legitimacy of U.S. elections, expressing a desire for the American administration to reciprocate this acknowledgment.

Vice President Vance’s remarks at the Munich Security Conference, where he criticized European nations for marginalizing right-wing populist parties, sparked considerable controversy. His subsequent meeting with AfD Co-Chair Alice Weidel was considered a breach of diplomatic norms, particularly as the conference organizers had excluded the AfD due to its anti-democratic ideology.

Current polls suggest that Merz’s CDU/CSU alliance leads with approximately 30%, though it lacks a clear majority. Analysts anticipate potential coalition negotiations with either the Social Democratic Party (SPD) or the Greens to form a government. Presently, the SPD stands at 16% and the Greens at 14%, while the AfD is projected to become the second-largest party in parliament with around 20%. However, all other parties have ruled out any coalition including the AfD.

In summary, Friedrich Merz has voiced strong criticism regarding U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s support of the AfD, reaffirming his party’s stance against collaboration with far-right factions. The political landscape in Germany ahead of the February 23 elections remains tense, with the CDU/CSU likely to seek coalitions while the AfD faces widespread rejection from other parties. Merz’s statements underscore the necessity for respectful diplomatic engagement and the independence of German political processes.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr