Political scientist Julia Reuschenbach: 'I do not see Chancellor Friedrich Merz resigning'
- Posted on September 13, 2026
- By Le Monde
- 1 Views
- 1 min read
In brief
Political analyst Julia Reuschenbach examines the CDU's position following AfD's electoral breakthrough in Saxony-Anhalt. She argues that abandoning the firewall against far-right parties would undermine the Christian Democrats' long-term viability, as the AfD's core strategy focuses on destabilizing centrist opponents. Reuschenbach maintains Chancellor Merz will likely maintain current party policies despite intensifying political pressure and electoral challenges.
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Political scientist Julia Reuschenbach: 'I do not see Chancellor Friedrich Merz resigning'
Following the Alternative for Germany (AfD) victory in Saxony-Anhalt on September 6, pressure is mounting on Chancellor Friedrich Merz's party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), to ease its policy of excluding the far right. Doing so would be a strategic mistake, says political scientist Julia Reuschenbach, who argues that the AfD's goal is to destroy the CDU.
