Seehofer Warns of AfD Surge if Union Fails to Uphold Campaign Promises
The former Interior Minister emphasizes the importance of migration policy in preventing the rise of the far-right party.
Horst Seehofer, the former German Interior Minister and member of the Christian Social Union (CSU), has issued a stark warning regarding the Alternative for Germany (AfD), suggesting that the party could gain ground if the ruling Union fails to adhere to its election commitments.
Speaking to the 'Süddeutsche Zeitung,' Seehofer commented on the current government's approach to migration, especially the practice of rejecting asylum seekers at the borders, describing it as crucial for keeping the AfD at bay.
He articulated that in Formula 1 terms, ‘the AfD is within striking distance,’ and noted that any missteps by the Union could allow the AfD to initiate a 'surge.' He expressed concern about possible repercussions of legal complexities following a Berlin administrative court's ruling which declared the rejection of three asylum seekers from Somalia during a border control in Frankfurt (Oder) to be unlawful.
Seehofer conveyed existential stakes for the Union's credibility, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining public trust.
He praised his successor, Alexander Dobrindt, for initiating significant changes in migration policy after a prolonged period of indecision.
Seehofer holds Angela Merkel, the former Chancellor, partially accountable for the rise of the AfD, citing the controversial decisions surrounding the 'open borders' policy during the refugee crisis of 2015 and 2016 as a critical error.
He remarked, 'But Angela Merkel does not see this to this day.' This reflects ongoing tensions and differing perspectives on Germany's migration history between Seehofer and Merkel, who were previously at odds over the management of the refugee influx.
Recent polls indicate that the AfD is currently positioned closely behind the Union in public support, with a survey from Insa showing the CDU/CSU at 27 percent—up one point from the previous week—while the AfD has dropped one point to 23 percent.
Similar trends are reported in the latest ZDF Politbarometer results, highlighting the competitive political landscape as Germany approaches future elections.
Speaking to the 'Süddeutsche Zeitung,' Seehofer commented on the current government's approach to migration, especially the practice of rejecting asylum seekers at the borders, describing it as crucial for keeping the AfD at bay.
He articulated that in Formula 1 terms, ‘the AfD is within striking distance,’ and noted that any missteps by the Union could allow the AfD to initiate a 'surge.' He expressed concern about possible repercussions of legal complexities following a Berlin administrative court's ruling which declared the rejection of three asylum seekers from Somalia during a border control in Frankfurt (Oder) to be unlawful.
Seehofer conveyed existential stakes for the Union's credibility, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining public trust.
He praised his successor, Alexander Dobrindt, for initiating significant changes in migration policy after a prolonged period of indecision.
Seehofer holds Angela Merkel, the former Chancellor, partially accountable for the rise of the AfD, citing the controversial decisions surrounding the 'open borders' policy during the refugee crisis of 2015 and 2016 as a critical error.
He remarked, 'But Angela Merkel does not see this to this day.' This reflects ongoing tensions and differing perspectives on Germany's migration history between Seehofer and Merkel, who were previously at odds over the management of the refugee influx.
Recent polls indicate that the AfD is currently positioned closely behind the Union in public support, with a survey from Insa showing the CDU/CSU at 27 percent—up one point from the previous week—while the AfD has dropped one point to 23 percent.
Similar trends are reported in the latest ZDF Politbarometer results, highlighting the competitive political landscape as Germany approaches future elections.
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Translated by AI
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