Germany’s likely next Chancellor Friedrich Merz just turned the election campaign on its head. He took a major political risk by relying on the far right AfD party to deliver a majority in parliament for the first time. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets to protest against any cooperation with the far right. Did Merz just throw away his chance of a smooth ride to become Germany’s next chancellor? Or is he about to break the political paralysis around the AfD’s lifeblood issue: Migration.
DW Chief Political Editor Michaela Küfner, talks to journalist and author Justus Bender and Matthew Moore, DW’s Political Correspondent.
00:00 Introduction
1:28 Merz’ way or no way
2:22 Why vote with the AfD?
3:05 Static polls?
6:12 Broken promise?
9:40 Merkel not amused
12:16 Merz vs Merkel
15:17 Merz‘ pledge
17:46 AfD in power – really?!
19:35 German stability?
21:30 “Worst case” is now
25:23 Coalition options
28:18 AfD in luck
LINKS
Interview with CDU/CSU Chancellor Candidate Friedrich Merz Germany’s Merz says he will not work with the far right if elected on Feb 23rd | DW News
Merz under Fire German opposition leader Merz under fire after joint vote with AfD reaches majority | DW News
What is the AfD “firewall”?
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