Söder Declares CSU as a Barrier Against Extremism

At a recent CSU party conference in Nürnberg, party leader Markus Söder reinforced his stance against the Alternative for Germany (AfD), asserting that the CSU serves as a crucial barrier to extremism. With the Bundestag elections approaching in just two weeks, the political climate has intensified, particularly following contentious parliamentary discussions on immigration policy.

Söder emphatically rejected any collaboration with the AfD, stating that there would be no cooperation under any circumstances. He urged party delegates to recognize the CSU's role as a protective wall against radical ideologies, emphasizing, "We are the protective wall, we are the firewall."

His comments come in the wake of criticism directed at the CDU and CSU for relying on the AfD's support to pass migration-related proposals, a move that has sparked significant backlash. Söder attributed the AfD's resurgence over the past three years to the policies of the current coalition government, warning that if the Red-Green coalition continues on its current path, the AfD could potentially take control.

"We cannot allow our country to fall into the hands of radicals," Söder cautioned, labeling the AfD as the primary adversary of Germany's democratic system. He pointed out that the party is characterized by extreme right-wing elements, asserting that many within the AfD are unfit for leadership roles due to their moral and ethical standings. He stressed the importance of combating this threat to preserve the nation's democratic values.

This rallying cry comes as the CSU aims to solidify its position and appeal to voters concerned about rising extremism and the implications of ongoing migration policies. As the election date draws nearer, Söder's remarks underscore the party's commitment to maintaining a firm stance against the AfD, highlighting the need for unity among mainstream political factions in the face of growing radicalism.