The CDU/CSU are scrambling to contain fallout after revelations that the European People’s Party (EVP) engaged with the AfD and other right‑wing groups in the European Parliament, including a joint chat group and meetings on tighter migration policy.

Chancellor-in-wacth Friedrich Merz says Germany should not partner with right‑wing extremists in Brussels and notes that decisions in the European Parliament can have a majority without the German AfD.

The SPD and others demanded a clear CDU/CSU position, with SPD leader Schweitzer urging accountability and a firm stand against courting far‑right actors; The Left pushed for Weber’s resignation, framing the drift as a systemic erosion of the firewall against extremism.

The Left’s Martin Schirdewan calls for Weber’s resignation, arguing the détente with extremists reveals a broader weakening of democratic safeguards.

Observers describe the incident as a systematic erosion of the firewall against cooperation with right‑wing parties, threatening core democratic values.

Söder described the revelations as surprising and alarming, and backed Merz’s stance against collaboration with right‑wing groups.

Alexander Hoffmann defended Weber, arguing migration policy and other concerns require addressing voters’ views, while noting differences with SPD stances at the European level.

Analysts note that the notion of a firewall against right‑wing cooperation mainly concerns boundaries with RN and ESN, fueling debates about limits within the European conservative spectrum.

Spahn signaled that a suspected EVP staffer from Spain participated in the chat and called for consequences, signaling potential outcomes for the matter’s direction.

Merz and CSU leader Söder criticized the revelations and suggested consequences, with Merz placing responsibility on Manfred Weber.

Gordon Schnieder, CDU top candidate for Rheinland‑Pfalz, said the incidents must be fully clarified and lead to consequences, asserting there will be no collaboration with the AfD at any level.

AfD leadership in Brussels downplays the significance, hinting at gains from a perceived weakening of the CDU and framing the issue as a firewall question.