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Kretschmer Meets with AfD Leader Despite Opposition
Saxon Minister-President Michael Kretschmer met with AfD leader Jörg Urban, a meeting he confirmed while reiterating his opposition to working with the party.
German
Germany
PoliticsGermany ElectionCoalitionNegotiations
CduAfdDpa
Michael KretschmerJörg UrbanRalph Schreiber
- What is Kretschmer's past criticism of the AfD?
- Kretschmer previously criticized the AfD for escalating tensions during the COVID-19 pandemic, accusing them of making groups like the far-right Free Saxons appear acceptable. He believes the AfD's actions have had lasting negative consequences.
- Who met with whom, and under what circumstances?
- Michael Kretschmer, the Saxon Minister President, met with AfD leader Jörg Urban. This meeting, confirmed by government spokesperson Ralph Schreiber, occurred during coalition talks and was preceded by notification to coalition partners.
- What is Kretschmer's stance on collaboration with the AfD?
- Kretschmer has consistently opposed collaboration with the AfD, citing their classification as a right-wing extremist organization by the Saxon Office for the Protection of the Constitution. He maintains this stance despite the meeting.
- What was the purpose of the meeting between Kretschmer and Urban?
- The meeting between Kretschmer and Urban was intended to foster respect for parliamentary procedure. While Kretschmer's CDU maintains an incompatibility decision against both the AfD and the Left party, he felt it was important to speak with all parliamentary leaders.
- What were the election results in Saxony, and how do they relate to this news?
- The AfD, with 30.6% of the vote, came very close to CDU's 31.9% in the recent Saxon state election. This narrow margin underscores the significance of ongoing political negotiations and Kretschmer's need to navigate complex relations.