Questioning Söder's Hardline AfD Stance as Risky for Union's Electoral Appeal in the East

Markus Söder's uncompromising rejection of any local cooperation with the AfD may backfire in eastern Germany, where the party commands nearly one-third of the vote. Michael Kretschmer's more cautious approach recognizes that in regions like Saxony, local administrations sometimes need cross-party support for practical decisions. By drawing a red line, Söder risks alienating voters who feel their concerns are ignored and may turn even more to the AfD. His early announcement of a 2028 candidacy also raises suspicions that internal party maneuvering is overshadowing the immediate challenge of winning state elections. Defending Merz's reshuffle might be premature, as the impact is unproven. A more flexible stance could help the Union retain conservative voters who currently feel abandoned by the political establishment. The firewall principle is noble, but when it becomes a rigid taboo, it may push potential supporters into the arms of radicals. The Union should weigh the long-term goal of isolating the AfD against short-term electoral losses in the east.