Political Earthquake in Cologne: CDU, AfD, and SPD Members Form Controversial Association
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A new political association, “Wendepunkt Deutschland,” founded in Cologne on Sunday, has sent shockwaves through the German political landscape. The group’s board includes members from the center-right CDU, the far-right AfD, and reportedly, a member of the center-left SPD, prompting immediate condemnation from CDU leadership and raising questions about the future of German political alliances.
The “Wendepunkt Deutschland” association announced its formation on Monday,identifying Dennis splitt,a CDU member and deputy chairman of the Junge Union (JU) Lindenthal,as its chairman. Matthias Büschges, the AfD parliamentary group leader in the Cologne city council and a former mayoral candidate, serves as one of his deputies. According to the association, additional deputy positions are held by an SPD member and another CDU/JU representative, whose identities have not yet been publicly disclosed.
CDU Initiates Expulsion Proceedings
The reaction from the CDU has been swift and decisive. Serap Güler,head of the Cologne CDU,stated unequivocally,”I will propose at the next meeting of the district executive committee to initiate exclusion proceedings against Dennis Splitt.” This meeting is scheduled for the first week of January.”This action is in no way acceptable,” Güler emphasized, extending the condemnation to “every other member” involved. The CDU has a nationwide resolution in place prohibiting any cooperation with the AfD, a stance that Güler and Lindenthal CDU chairwoman Teresa de Bellis-Olinger are firmly upholding.
“Free Debate” or Political Alignment?
Despite the outrage, Dennis Splitt defended his involvement, asserting that his board membership in “Wendepunkt Deutschland” does not constitute collaboration with the AfD. He stated he aims to “promote a free debate” and participates as a “private person.” Splitt also indicated his intention to contest any party expulsion proceedings. The association itself described its board as representing “various centrist parties,” a claim that appears to include the AfD despite the controversy.
The group initially announced its founding as “Turning Point Germany – platform for the Political Exchange of Opinions” last week,revealing its inspiration from the American organization “Turning Point USA,” founded by the late right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.The association’s inaugural meeting, initially planned for a Cologne club, was relocated to a private location after the original venue was canceled.
SPD Response and Potential Fallout
Claudia Walther, co-chair of the Cologne SPD, expressed skepticism regarding the involvement of an SPD member. She stated that any cooperation with the AfD is a “no go” and pledged a swift response if any member is confirmed to be involved.”We will have a conversation with him or her as soon as possible and suggest leaving. Otherwise, in this case we would consider further measures such as expulsion from the party.”
The formation of “Wendepunkt Deutschland” represents a significant challenge to the established political order in Cologne and raises broader questions about the boundaries of political discourse and
