CDU and SPD Agree on Coalition to Isolate AfD, Germany's Second Force

The CDU-CSU Bloc and the SPD Have Reached a Preliminary Agreement to Form a Government in Germany with a Clear Objective: To Curb the Rise of AfD.

The pact focuses on blocking any possibility of Alternative for Germany (AfD), the second political force, having influence in the government.

Friedrich Merz, leader of the CDU, confirmed that formal negotiations will begin next week to consolidate an anti-AfD coalition.

"The global situation changes drastically every day. Germany needs stability and can't afford to give space to populism," stated Merz.

The SPD, Which Has Lost Support at the Polls, Supports the Agreement, Prioritizing a Strategy to Prevent the Growth of the Alternative Right.

The plan includes tightening migration policy, but without yielding to the more restrictive demands of AfD, which capitalizes on public discontent.

Merz insists that his party will not negotiate with AfD, despite this formation having grown to become the second force in the country.

"We want a strong government that curbs radicalization and prevents AfD from having decision-making power in German politics," added the conservative leader.

The Federal Statistical Office has confirmed that Germany is in recession, which fuels discontent and strengthens AfD's narrative.

The agreement between CDU and SPD includes economic reforms to recover growth, but the lack of consensus on taxes generates tensions.

The labor market will be key in the negotiation, with proposals to make contracts more flexible and measures to prevent AfD from monopolizing the labor discourse.

Voters have punished traditional parties for the economic crisis and insecurity, which explains the rise of the alternative right.

Merz and the SPD are betting on regaining citizens' trust with a pact that excludes AfD. But social discontent continues to rise.

If the agreement succeeds, the CDU will return to the Chancellery. But with the challenge of containing the rise of AfD and avoiding a more radical shift in the country.

The Strong Rejection of AfD Might Not Be Enough to Curb Its Rise, as Economic and Social Discontent Remains Its Main Fuel.