During a recent state party conference in Pfiffelbach, Thuringia, AfD state leader and parliamentary group chairman Björn Höcke formally rejected any future cooperation with the CDU. This stance marks a significant shift from his previous strategy, where he had repeatedly offered to collaborate with the center-right party following earlier state elections.
Höcke characterized the CDU as a “dead horse” and held the party primarily responsible for the current state of affairs in Germany as of 2026. He urged his party members to maintain strict distance from what he termed a “vermerkelt” (Merkel-influenced) and “emaciated” CDU, asserting that there is “no alternative” within the established political system.
The Thuringian AfD, which currently holds the status of the strongest political force in the state parliament while remaining in isolation as an opposition faction, is officially classified and monitored by the state Office for the Protection of the Constitution as definitively right-wing extremist.
Strategic Implications and Future Outlook
The move to solidify opposition against the CDU comes as the AfD looks toward the upcoming state election in Saxony-Anhalt on September 6. Höcke expressed confidence that his party is on a path toward an absolute majority. This ambition is echoed by the party’s top candidate in Saxony-Anhalt, Ulrich Siegmund, who has publicly signaled interest in forming a sole-party government.
Current polling data from Insa, conducted in mid-May, shows the AfD leading in Saxony-Anhalt with 42 percent support. In contrast, the CDU, led by incumbent Minister-President Sven Schulze, registers at 24 percent. These figures suggest a potential shift in the parliamentary landscape, as smaller parties like the Green Party, BSW, and FDP would fail to enter the state legislature under these projections, while the SPD faces a precarious situation, polling at only six percent.
The shift in Höcke’s rhetoric highlights a pivot from seeking parliamentary leverage through coalition-building to a strategy of total confrontation. By abandoning outreach to the CDU, the AfD is likely betting on its ability to mobilize voters through an anti-establishment platform. However, this isolation strategy also raises questions about the party’s long-term ability to govern, as incumbent leaders like Sven Schulze remain steadfast in their refusal to engage with the AfD, regardless of the electoral outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Björn Höcke changed his stance on the CDU?
Höcke now views the CDU as the primary cause of Germany’s current political situation and argues that his party’s decision to maintain distance from the establishment is the correct course for the future.
What is the political situation in Saxony-Anhalt ahead of the September election?
Recent polling indicates the AfD is at 42 percent, aiming for an absolute majority. Meanwhile, incumbent Minister-President Sven Schulze has explicitly ruled out any form of cooperation with the AfD.
How is the Thuringian AfD categorized by state authorities?
The Thuringian AfD is currently classified as definitively right-wing extremist and is under surveillance by the state Office for the Protection of the Constitution.
How do you think a shift toward potential single-party governance in state legislatures would alter the traditional coalition dynamics in German politics?
