German Chancellor and Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Chairman Friedrich Merz reiterated that his party would absolutely not cooperate with the right-populist Alternative for Germany (AfD).

Answering questions from RTL presenter Pınar Atalay, Merz said, when he hears AfD politicians' rhetoric of "destroying the CDU, collapsing the system, abandoning the Euro, the Schengen Area, and the European Union (EU) internal market," he states, "I say there is absolutely no cooperation with this party, with them." Merz emphasized his view: "I don't attach much importance to the 'firewall' (not cooperating with this party) rhetoric. On the contrary, I want to win back the voters who cast their ballots for this party. But I also want to tell the voters: 'It is not possible for my party to cooperate with this party or its leaders.'"

Underlining that his fundamental principles do not align with the AfD, Chancellor Merz stated, "In very important areas, we are fundamentally different from this party and think differently. So different that compromise is absolutely impossible. I cannot half-exit the EU, I cannot half-exit NATO, I cannot half-destroy the CDU." Merz reiterated their determination to absolutely not cooperate with such a party. To presenter Pınar Atalay's question, "Are you sure that none of the CDU state deputies will change their minds?", he replied, "As a party, we made such a decision in the general assembly. I assume all party members will comply with this."

Target of serious accusations

In the same program titled "At the Table with Friedrich Merz," Merz also became the target of serious accusations. Pediatrician Bea Mescher criticized the health policy of the coalition government consisting of CDU/CSU and SPD. Mescher accused Merz of breaking his oath taken upon assuming office and endangering the future of children. Bea Mescher said that the government's policy was unworthy of human dignity and ruined people's lives.

Merz stated, "This goes a bit beyond the normal measure of criticism," adding, "This accusation is a personal insult. Of course, the federal government should be open to and accept criticism. But accusing us and me personally of knowingly breaking my oath is not something that can be swallowed easily."

To another citizen's accusation, "Berlin (the government) is abandoning children, not looking after them," he replied, "Your criticism is also a bit harsh. Many people expect more help, more support. But the state's resources are not limitless either."