**An Unprecedented Evolution of Political Alliances in Germany: When the Sanitary Cordon Is Put to the Test**
The recent initiative by CDU candidate Friedrich Merz, who saw his party temporarily ally with the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) to toughen immigration laws, marks a significant shift in the German political landscape, one that could be seen as the beginning of the end of the famous “sanitary cordon”. This concept, evoked as early as 2018 by the CDU itself, has historically created an ideological barrier between the traditional parties and the extremes, whether on the left or the right. However, as the CDU seeks to reassert itself on the political scene, despite internal turbulence and external criticism, the question arises: what impact could this symbolic alliance have on the future of German politics?
### Historical Context and Evolution of Values
To understand this event, it is essential to put the historical context and the evolution of political values in Germany into perspective. After the Second World War, Germany faced a heavy legacy, marked by guilt and reflections on its totalitarian past. Thus, political parties, especially the CDU, carefully drew a red line by promising themselves never to collaborate with far-right movements.
The “cordon sanitaire” was thus conceived as a mechanism to protect democracy, a barrier against the temptation of interested alliances. It allowed traditional parties to unite around common values in the face of the rise of populism and nationalism. However, as the AfD has gained popularity, particularly in the former regions of East Germany, this barrier is beginning to weaken. The results of the latest regional elections indicate that the AfD is no longer simply a fringe group, but a key player, making the political situation more difficult for parties like the CDU.
### Polarization and Political Opportunism
Merz’s support for the AfD, while tactically motivated by the need to strengthen the anti-immigration narrative, may be seen by some as a dangerous shift towards opportunistic alliances. Populism scholars such as Jan Philipp Thomeczek point out that this strategy could have repercussions on the perception of democratic values within German society. Indeed, by legitimizing AfD votes, the CDU could contribute to normalizing narratives that could rekindle socio-political tensions.
Polls show that 63% of Germans consider immigration to be a very serious issue, but in reality, few issues are as polarizing. In 2023, the CDU must navigate a landscape where an increasingly fragmented electorate expects concrete solutions while denouncing extremes. This ambivalence could serve to reinforce the theses of a moderate populism, where concerns about immigration collide with the need for social cohesion.
### A Reflection on Electoral Objectives
It is also worth questioning the real motivations of Friedrich Merz and the CDU in this context. With the general elections approaching (February 23), the political calculation behind this proposal is itself a subject of analysis. Merz seeks to restore the image of his party, to make it competitive again against a losing SPD and the Greens who are changing course. Support for the AfD could help capture an anxious electorate, in search of a decisive policy on immigration.
However, this approach could also have a boomerang effect. Traditional parties must be careful not to alienate a moderate part of their electoral base. The SPD criticized this “unforgivable mistake,” arguing that such compromises cast a shadow over German democracy. The current situation also raises the question of political ethics: how far are we willing to go in the quest for power?
### Towards a New Normal?
The current debates around the issue of immigration and the collaboration with the AfD touch on fundamental issues: what does it mean to remain true to one’s values in the face of growing socio-political challenges? The line between political pragmatism and the danger of an authoritarian drift is becoming permeable.
In conclusion, this incident is more than just a legislative event: it represents a moment of truth for German democracy and underlines the need for a deep reflection on the limits of political engagement. As the cordon sanitaire falters, it is crucial for the traditional parties to redefine their principles without giving in to the temptation of short-term opportunism. Germany stands at a crossroads, and the choices made at this crucial time will shape not only the immediate future of politics but also the very identity of German democracy.