Wolfgang Grupp Critiques Merz's Firm Rejection of AfD as a Misstep

In the aftermath of the 2025 Bundestag elections, which saw the Union emerge victorious albeit with lower than expected results, entrepreneur Wolfgang Grupp has voiced his concerns regarding Friedrich Merz's public disavowal of the Alternative for Germany (AfD). According to Grupp, engaging in dialogue with all political factions is crucial in a democracy.

The elections have positioned the AfD as the second most popular party in Baden-Württemberg and across the nation, presenting challenges for the newly elected leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Friedrich Merz, as he navigates the complexities of forming a government. During a recent election celebration in Berlin, Merz reaffirmed his stance against any potential cooperation with the AfD, a move that Grupp describes as a significant error.

Grupp, the former CEO of the Burladingen-based textile company Trigema, had publicly supported Merz and the CDU prior to the elections. He expressed his surprise at Merz's remarks, stating that he had anticipated a different approach from the party leader. In his podcast, Grupp emphasized that while he expected the CDU to perform well, he was taken aback by Merz's firm stance against the AfD.

Merz has faced scrutiny for previously courting votes from the AfD to secure support during a contentious migration vote in the Bundestag. However, he has since distanced himself from the party, firmly stating that he would not engage in discussions with them. Grupp believes this public distancing may have contributed to the CDU's underwhelming performance at the polls, arguing that such statements can alienate potential voters who may disagree with that position.

In his podcast, Grupp reiterated the importance of dialogue in a democratic society, asserting that it is essential to engage with all parties rather than categorically excluding them. He mentioned that he had previously refrained from voting for the CDU during Angela Merkel's tenure, citing the party's drift to the left as the reason for his decision to support the Free Democratic Party (FDP) instead. Grupp noted that he had been looking forward to Merz's return to politics and was prepared to support the CDU again under his leadership.

As Friedrich Merz prepares to potentially assume the role of Chancellor, Grupp appears cautiously optimistic, suggesting that Merz has the capability to elevate the CDU's standing if he adopts a more inclusive approach in his dealings with other political entities. Overall, while Grupp expresses satisfaction with the CDU's electoral success, he acknowledges that many party supporters have distinct preferences regarding prospective coalition partners.