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

Answering questions from RTL presenter Pınar Atalay, Merz stated that he heard AfD politicians' rhetoric of "destroying the CDU, collapsing the system, abandoning the Euro, the Schengen Area, and the European Union (EU) internal market." Merz noted that they would absolutely not cooperate with this party. He used the expressions: "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 support 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.'"

Chancellor Merz underlined that their fundamental principles do not align with the AfD's. He 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 stated that they are determined not to cooperate with such a party. To presenter Pınar Atalay's question, "Are you sure that none of the CDU state parliament members 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 program titled "At the Table with Friedrich Merz," Merz faced serious accusations. Pediatrician Bea Mescher criticized the health policy of the CDU/CSU and SPD coalition government. Mescher accused Merz of breaking his oath of office and endangering the future of children. She stated that the government's policy was unworthy of human dignity and ruined people's lives.

Merz commented, "This goes a bit beyond the normal measure of criticism." He added, "This accusation is a personal insult. The federal government should be open to and accept criticism. However, accusing us and me personally of knowingly breaking my oath is not something that can be swallowed."

To another citizen's accusation, "Berlin (the government) is leaving children alone, not taking care of them," Merz replied, "Your criticism is also a bit harsh. Many people expect more help, more support. But the state's resources are not limitless either."