Saxony’s Minister President Michael Kretschmer (CDU) is facing criticism and questions over his remarks regarding the “firewall.” “Anyone who’s still talking about ‘firewalls’ hasn’t recognized the signs of the times. We have to talk to anyone who wants to talk,” Kretschmer told the *Handelsblatt*. Given the political balance of power in eastern Germany, he is calling for a willingness to engage in dialogue with all other parties. The term “firewall” refers to the parties’ stance of not cooperating with the AfD.
AfD Accuses Kretschmer of Hypocrisy
The Saxon AfD also voiced criticism for entirely different reasons. “In fact, his CDU has already stipulated in the coalition agreement with the SPD that both parties rule out cooperation with the AfD. Michael Kretschmer is ‘Mr. Firewall’—at least when it comes to the AfD,” explained AfD party and parliamentary group leader Jörg Urban.
Young Socialists Accuse Kretschmer of Tinkering with the Firewall
The Young Socialists accused Kretschmer of tinkering with the party’s distinction from the AfD. “It is not the demand for a clear demarcation from the far right that is out of step with the times. What is out of step with the times is the attempt to call it into question precisely where the AfD is stronger than almost anywhere else,” emphasized Juso state leader Mats Rudolph. With his statements, Kretschmer is unnecessarily calling into question the CDU’s previous stance on dealing with the AfD.
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