German political parties refused to work with the far-right AfD for many years. They did not include it in government coalitions or major parliamentary roles. This practice became known as a political "firewall" against extremism.

Firewall Strategy Starts to Collapse

However, that firewall now appears to be breaking down. Some leaders believe that isolating AfD does more harm than good. They argue that the boycott helps AfD gain sympathy and grow stronger by claiming it is being treated unfairly.

AfD Gains More Power Through Elections

In the 2025 elections, AfD won 20.8% of the vote and gained 152 seats, making it the second-largest party in parliament. More recently, a national poll showed that AfD is the most popular party with 25% support, slightly ahead of CDU/CSU, which had 24%.

Party Now Qualifies for Key Positions

Because of its size in parliament, AfD is eligible to take part in several parliamentary committees and even chair them. Until now, other parties worked together to prevent AfD from getting those roles. They also blocked the party from securing a position in the parliamentary vice presidency.

CDU Members Push for Policy Change

Now, some CDU/CSU leaders want to change this strategy. They say that continuing to exclude AfD might push its voters even further away.

CDU leader Jens Spahn told Bild, “in parliamentary procedures and processes [AfD should be treated] like any other opposition party.” He continued, “They are sitting there in such strength because voters wanted to tell us something,” and added, “we should take these voters seriously.”

Boycott Seen as a Benefit to AfD

Additionally, some CDU leaders believe that the boycott helps AfD gain public sympathy. They argue that AfD plays the victim card, which strengthens its support base.

Johann Wadephul, deputy chair of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, told RND, “the boycott allows the AfD to claim victimhood.” He said he would allow AfD to chair committees if its candidates “haven’t behaved inappropriately in the past.”

According to Politico, CDU leaders think that giving AfD public roles might backfire on the party. Once voters see how AfD performs in leadership, they may find it unappealing.

Quiet Support Behind Closed Doors

Over the years, some AfD lawmakers built secret ties with members of other parties. In fact, AfD officials told Politico that they had already received signals of support in private.

Opposition Within CDU and Coalition

Despite these new voices, many in the CDU/CSU still oppose any cooperation with AfD. They see the party as a danger to national security.

Roderich Kiesewetter, a senior CDU lawmaker, told RBB, “The AfD is a security threat to Germany.” He added, “AfD lawmakers don’t belong in the parliamentary oversight panel that monitors the intelligence services — just as little as in the budget trust committee.”

The SPD, CDU's coalition partner, also rejects any move to normalize the AfD.

Katja Mast, SPD parliamentary secretary, told Tagesspiegel, “The AfD is not a party like any other. We will protect our democratic institutions — above all our parliament — with full determination.”

Legal Barriers Still Block Cooperation

Moreover, the existing coalition agreement between CDU/CSU and SPD forbids any cooperation with the far right. According to Euractiv, the deal bans “any co-operation” with far-right groups “at all political levels.”

Therefore, even though some CDU leaders are open to engaging with AfD, current laws still prevent such cooperation.