German Greens, Left Party slam CDU-AfD leaders' photo ahead of state election

Germany's Green and Left parties have sharply criticized a photograph and video clip featuring the top candidates of the CDU and AfD in Saxony-Anhalt, taken just three months before the state election. The image shows CDU faction leader Guido Heuer leaning on the shoulder of AfD top candidate Ulrich Siegmund, with both politicians' hands on the same microphone.

“

This video casts a disturbing light on the relationship between the CDU and AfD in Saxony-Anhalt. It shows how close the relationship between the CDU faction leader and the AfD top candidate apparently already is. There is no distance recognizable anymore.

Felix Banaszak, federal chairman of the Greens, told the 'Frankfurter Rundschau' that the video casts a "disturbing light" on the relationship between the CDU and AfD in the state. He noted that the proximity between the two politicians suggests a closeness that erases any perceived distance, fueling speculation about potential post-election alliances.

The photo, taken at a panel discussion in Halberstadt, gained traction on social media amid ongoing debates about the CDU's commitment to its 'firewall' against the AfD. Heuer, however, attempted to downplay the appearance of camaraderie, telling the Deutsche Presse-Agentur that the interaction was more "confrontational, not a fraternization."

“

That was more confrontation, not fraternization.

Further fueling the debate, a short video clip emerged showing Siegmund remarking to Heuer, "One might think you've never had anything to do with the government, if I listen to you." Siegmund then placed his hand on Heuer's shoulder. Heuer, initially with crossed arms, reached for the microphone and placed his hand on Siegmund's shoulder as he leaned in, responding, "No," before a brief, laughter-filled exchange.

“

These recordings are not a mistake.

The Left party's deputy faction leader in the Bundestag, Clara Bünger, stated that the images were "no accident." She criticized the CDU leader for posing with a politician who has advocated for "remigration" and whose rallies feature "Sieg" chants. Bünger questioned how the CDU could be believed to distance itself from the AfD when its actions suggest otherwise.

“

How can the CDU still be believed to distance itself from the AfD if it constantly proves the opposite?