Christian Democrat (CDU) parliamentarian Saskia Ludwig faces severe party reprimand after photographic evidence emerged showing her engaging in cordial discussions with Alternative for Germany (AfD) leader Alice Weidel, according to Euractiv.
The encounter occurred during MCC Feszt, an event hosted by Hungarian Premier Viktor Orbán’s political network, casting fresh doubt on the CDU’s commitment to its longstanding “firewall” policy prohibiting cooperation with national-oriented parties.
Images published on Saturday depict the Brandenburg MP shaking hands and conversing with Weidel at the Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC) gathering, an annual conference-music festival hybrid directed by Balázs Orbán, the Hungarian leader’s key strategist.
Ludwig defended her conduct, telling outlet Nius she naturally “engaged in dialogue with a wide variety of visitors,” adding that “free exchange of opinions is a central element of a democratic society.” Her justification follows previous criticism of the firewall itself, which she labelled “deeply undemocratic” during February’s election campaign.
Parliamentary leader Jens Spahn previously provoked controversy by suggesting AfD lawmakers should assume parliamentary committee posts traditionally reserved for mainstream parties, a position he retracted following the extremism designation.
The Brandenburg representative spearheaded opposition against the ill-fated nomination of liberal jurist Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf to Germany’s constitutional court, joining hardliners who derailed the appointment over her progressive stance on abortion. The nomination remains in limbo following their campaign.
