Discussion with Weidel: CDU Politician Ludwig Discusses AfD's Presence in Hungary
In the political landscape of Germany, a recent development has caught the attention of many. Saskia Ludwig, a Member of Parliament from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), found herself under scrutiny after meeting with AfD leader Alice Weidel at a conference in Hungary.
The conference was organised by the Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC), a think tank close to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, labelled a "propaganda school" by the German Foreign Ministry. The event, known as the MCC Feszt, was clear in its right-wing and conservative orientation, with Saskia Ludwig and Alice Weidel openly seen together.
However, the CDU fraction distanced itself from Saskia Ludwig, stating that she did not participate in the event on behalf of the fraction and without the knowledge of the fraction's leadership. The incompatibility resolution of the CDU, which excludes any cooperation with the AfD, is still in effect.
Ludwig, despite the criticism, defended her actions. She argued that "free exchange of opinions" is essential in a democratic society, citing a quote from Peter Thiel to support her stance. She advocated for a gradual integration of the AfD at the regional level on individual topics.
Ludwig also spoke against the firewall, a policy that separates the CDU from the AfD, during her appearance at the conference. Bence Bauer, director of the German-Hungarian Institute, stated that politics under CDU leader Armin Laschet would be more left-wing than under Angela Merkel due to the firewall.
It's worth noting that the AfD was recently classified as a right-wing extremist party by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution. The "remigration concept" of Martin Sellner, with which the AfD loudly campaigned, was declared unconstitutional by the Federal Administrative Court.
Despite the controversy, Ludwig sees a chance in the de-radicalization of the AfD and thinks it has changed significantly and will continue to do so in the future. She believes that the government wants to change, but not enough due to the strength of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) in the coalition.
The CDU/CSU has a history of seeking possible alliances at the MCC, with CSU politicians exchanging views with Hungarian think tanks a few weeks before the federal election. However, no specific CDU politician has been identified as advocating for a more right-wing and conservative orientation of Germany as well as cooperation on regional issues with the AfD at or related to the MCC Feszt event.
This article was contributed to by Fiona Helmke, Károly Szilágyi, and Justus von Daniels. Lilith Grull and Justus von Daniels edited it, with Lilith Grull also fact-checking it.
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