AfD wants to ward off voters from SPD - Merz warns of political risk!

AfD wants to ward off voters from SPD - Merz warns of political risk!

The AfD heads for a sensitive terrain in the middle of preparations for the 2025 federal election. After the recent successes in the state elections in the east and the teachings from the FPÖ in Austria, the party plans to address former voters of the SPD. However, the surveys show a decline in approval for the AfD, which is now around 18.5 percent. This forces the party under the leadership of Alice Weidel to define new target groups and possibly develop a modified strategy.

planned topics such as old -age insurance and rental prices should help to address a socially oriented electorate and to differentiate themselves from direct competition with the CDU. The strategy aims to avoid a "short-strach effect"-a scenario in which the AfD could come under pressure if the CDU, under Friedrich Merz, assumes similar positions, which has weakened the FPÖ in the past. Merz himself regularly rejected cooperation with the AfD, but within the CDU there are voices that signal a willingness to dialogue.

party -internal problems and concerns

A fundamental problem could, however, be dealing with party internal “hinders” that endanger the uniform line. This is perceived by leading AfD members as a serious danger. Stephan Brandtner in particular, a prominent member of the federal board, always ensures controversy that could harm the party. His recent statements, in which he described a journalist as a "fascist", are just an example of the provocative statements that provide excitement in public.

The internal tensions could have a lasting impact on the political strategy of the AfD. While some members hope for a possible strengthening of the party in the Bundestag election, the concerns about the behavior of some party colleagues make a clear line possible. The campaign strategy stipulates that the AfD expects a result of at least 20 percent, which would give them a stronger negotiating position towards potential alliance partners such as the BSW.

Within the CDU, the diversity of opinion is great: An open letter from several CDU members calls for a conversation with the AfD, while others strictly reject this approach. The debate about a possible dialogue with the AfD shows the deep shared opinions within the Union and could influence future political alliances.

A detailed assessment of the current situation is required by the AfD. The internal analysis indicates that the party is in a critical phase in which both external and internal conflicts could endanger long -term success.