In an interview with the ‘Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung,’ Radtke, head of the CDU’s labor wing, stated that any alliance with the AfD would lead to the CDU’s demise. Laumann, the deputy federal chairman, emphasized that the AfD threatens the foundational principles of the Union, including European unity and NATO ties. Similar sentiments were echoed by Hamburg CDU chairman Thering and North Rhine-Westphalia Interior Minister Reul. Foreign Minister Wadephul criticized the AfD’s alignment with authoritarian regimes and its divisive rhetoric, asserting that it undermines national interests. This discussion was broadcast on Deutschlandfunk on June 13, 2026.