Greens, Left Accuse CDU of Aiding AfD Candidate in Bundestag Vote

In a contentious session of the German Bundestag's Economic Committee, the Green and Left parties have voiced strong accusations against the CDU, alleging that members of the conservative party cast votes in favor of an Alternative for Germany (AfD) candidate. The AfD's Malte Kaufmann secured 16 votes for the position of deputy committee chairman, surpassing the AfD's own representation of 10 seats within the committee. This outcome has ignited fierce debate and condemnation from opposing parties.

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Presumably, almost half of the CDU in the Economic Committee voted for the AfD.

Michael Kellner, the Green Party's spokesperson on the committee, expressed dismay, suggesting that nearly half of the CDU members present likely voted for the AfD candidate. He pointed to instances where CDU politicians have openly shown sympathy for the AfD, questioning the leadership's ability to control its party members. Similarly, Janine Wissler, the Left Party's economic policy spokesperson, described the voting behavior as "alarming and shameful," asserting that it signals a further erosion of the 'firewall' intended to isolate the AfD.

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CDU economic politicians like the Brandenburg MP Saskia Ludwig are now openly showing their sympathy for the AfD.

The Left Party highlighted that the AfD candidate gained four more votes compared to a previous election, indicating a trend of increasing acceptance or support for the far-right party within the Bundestag. Both the Green and Left parties emphasize the critical need to prevent the normalization of the AfD, a party whose platform and rhetoric are seen as a threat to democratic values. The situation raises serious questions about inter-party cooperation and the integrity of the established political 'firewall' in Germany.

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The voting behavior of the Union today is alarming and shameful. It is quite obvious that some Union members of parliament wish for an AfD deputy committee chairman.