“Even if we are competitors”
Gauland recommends AfD cooperation with BSW
25.11.2024Reading time: 2 min.
AfD co-founder Alexander Gauland sees his party as close to the BSW in terms of foreign policy. The AfD should “not forget” that, said the 83-year-old. He has also identified a main opponent for the AfD.
AfD honorary chairman Alexander Gauland advises his party to work with the Alliance Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW). “Even if we are competitors,” said Gauland, according to the “Bild” newspaper, on Saturday at the state party conference of the Brandenburg AfD in Prenzlau. “Wagenknecht is closer to us in terms of foreign policy than Merz – we should not forget that in the election campaign and in future votes,” added Gauland, referring to the CDU, which is currently leading in the polls.
By the alleged foreign policy proximity between the AfD and BSW, Gauland probably meant the two parties’ view of Russia. Both representatives of the partly right-wing extremist AfD and the left-wing populist BSW repeatedly defend Russia with regard to the war in Ukraine and, for example, reject arms deliveries to Kiev. They regularly warn against an alleged escalation of the war, for example through military aid.
Gauland also considers Friedrich Merz’s CDU to be the main opponent in the federal election in February. “One way or another, the traffic lights will no longer exist in the future, but black-green is unfortunately still a realistic chance,” said the 83-year-old in Prenzlau. “That’s why we should remember who we owe most of the misery to: Angela Merkel and therefore the CDU.” Merkel was CDU leader until 2018 and Chancellor until 2021.
Ex-CDU member Gauland, who, contrary to previous plans, wants to run again in the federal election, warned the CDU leader with regard to the Ukraine war: “Merz will do even more than (SPD Chancellor) Scholz to ensure that this war , which is not our war, is moving closer to us.”
After two legislative periods, Gauland is no longer running as the top candidate for the Brandenburg AfD; he is considering running for office in Saxony: “This is an offer from Chemnitz, from my hometown,” he told the German Press Agency when asked why he was running again. “That’s what we’re talking about right now. That’ll be certain when the election comes.”
The AfD co-founder attacked the ex-president of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, Thomas Haldenwang, who wants to run for the CDU in Wuppertal and is therefore no longer in office. “What we have to think of this domestic secret service has just become clear again, as Mr. Haldenwang wants to slip seamlessly from the supposedly objective official into the role of the political competitor to the AfD.”
How could the shifting foreign policy stance of the AfD impact its relationship with traditional conservative voters?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Political Expert on AfD’s Strategy
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, everyone, to this special interview. Today, we’re diving deep into the recent statements made by AfD co-founder Alexander Gauland regarding potential cooperation with the Alliance Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW). We’re joined by Dr. Anna Schmidt, a political analyst specializing in German politics. Thank you for being here, Anna!
Dr. Anna Schmidt (DAS): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here to discuss such an intriguing topic.
TNE: So, let’s start with what Gauland said at the Brandenburg AfD conference. He proposed that, despite being competitors, the AfD and BSW should consider working together, particularly concerning foreign policy. What do you make of that statement?
DAS: Gauland’s comments are quite telling. He sees common ground between the AfD and BSW primarily in their foreign policy stance, particularly regarding Russia. Both parties share a skepticism towards military aid to Ukraine and seem to advocate for a more conciliatory approach towards Russia. This indicates a strategic pivot for the AfD as it seeks to redefine its alliances heading into the upcoming federal elections.
TNE: Interesting. It suggests that the AfD is looking to broaden its base and appeal to voters who might have differing sentiments about foreign policy. Do you think this could backfire, given the general perceptions of the AfD?
DAS: It could be a double-edged sword. On one hand, they may attract voters who are disillusioned with the current government’s stance on foreign affairs. On the other hand, the AfD risks alienating potential supporters who view any cooperation with a party like BSW, which has left-wing populist roots, as contradictory to their core principles.
TNE: It’s also noteworthy that Gauland identifies Friedrich Merz’s CDU as the main opponent. This indicates a clear strategic focus. How does this reflect the broader political landscape in Germany right now?
DAS: Right, Gauland’s identification of the CDU as the primary challenger highlights a tactical move. The AfD is positioning itself against mainstream parties while trying to create a narrative that frames them as a viable alternative. With the traffic light coalition seemingly losing ground, the AfD aims to capitalize on that vacuum by presenting itself as a credible choice for voters who feel overlooked.
TNE: Speaking of the main opponents, Gauland seems confident about the decline of the current government coalition. How does this impact the electoral strategy of the AfD moving forward?
DAS: If the traffic light coalition is indeed faltering, we could see the AfD intensifying its message for local and national identity, economic nationalism, and critiques of immigration policies. They might also leverage their foreign policy alignment with BSW as a means to stand apart from the CDU’s more traditional stances, thus building a coalition of sorts among dissatisfied voters.
TNE: Do you think this approach could create long-term repercussions for both the AfD and BSW, especially as they inch closer in their policies?
DAS: Absolutely. If they successfully collaborate on issues like foreign policy, it could reshape their electoral dynamics and perhaps lead to a new faction of voters who prioritize certain issues over traditional party lines. However, it could also intensify ideological clashes within their bases, particularly among those who remain staunchly opposed to the other party’s core values.
TNE: Before we wrap up, what should we look out for in the upcoming months as this situation unfolds?
DAS: Keep an eye on how the narrative develops around foreign policy and how both parties communicate their positioning. The dynamics of public opinion can shift rapidly based on international events, especially concerning Ukraine and Russia. Also, monitor any formal alliances or agreements that may emerge, as that will heavily influence the electoral landscape.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Anna Schmidt, for your insights! It will definitely be fascinating to see how the political strategies of the AfD and BSW develop in this context. We appreciate your time!
DAS: Thank you! It’s been great to discuss these vital issues with you. I look forward to following the developments closely.
TNE: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in! Stay informed with Time.news as we continue to explore these pressing topics.