Germany's CSU Chief Warns of AfD Rising to Historic High

Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder, leader of the Christian Social Union (CSU), has warned against destabilizing German politics, comparing the current situation to the Weimar Republic, Handelsblatt reports. Speaking at an event in Wurzburg, he cautioned that further failures by the current government could significantly strengthen the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, and argued that a minority government would only lead to early elections and further growth in AfD support.

Söder described the AfD as "the worst right-wing organisation in Europe", attributing its success to fears among part of the electorate about economic decline and rapid change. In his view, uncertainty and fear are precisely what create the conditions for radicalization.

The warning comes as the AfD records a sharp rise in support. According to the latest Insa poll, the party has reached a record 29% while both the CDU/CSU and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) are losing ground. A governing coalition would currently fall short of a joint majority.

(mja)