BERLIN — Following the recent snap election on February 23, the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is shifting its approach toward the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), marking a significant change in the political dynamics in Germany.

For decades, mainstream political parties have adhered to a so-called 'firewall' against engaging with extreme groups, but developments from the election suggest this stance may be softening.

In the election, the AfD secured over 20 percent of the vote, winning 152 seats and becoming the largest opposition party in the Bundestag.

This success has instigated discussions among CDU lawmakers about how to engage with the AfD, a party known for its anti-migration and anti-EU stances.

The CDU's Friedrich Merz is poised to become Chancellor in a coalition with the Social Democrats (SPD) next month.

Jens Spahn, a senior CDU member and former health minister, stated that AfD lawmakers should be treated like other opposition members in parliamentary processes.

He emphasized that their presence is a reflection of voter sentiment that mainstream parties need to acknowledge.

Similarly, Johann Wadephul, deputy chair of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, supported the idea of allowing AfD members to chair committees, provided they have no history of inappropriate behavior.

The CDU leadership has indicated a willingness to grant the AfD key parliamentary positions, including committee chairs, which are influential in shaping legislative agendas.

This represents a stark contrast to previous practices where the AfD was systematically excluded from certain parliamentary roles, a tactic that some party members believed reinforced the AfD's narrative of victimization.

Merz's new strategy has emerged from discussions leading up to the formation of the government, where he sought to engage with the AfD's parliamentary strength rather than ignore it.

Philipp Amthor, a CDU legislator, suggested that substantial debate, rather than procedural avoidance, should be the method through which to address the AfD's rise.

However, opposition to this strategy exists within the CDU.

Roderich Kiesewetter, a senior CDU lawmaker, characterized the AfD as a threat to national security, particularly voicing concern over their participation in committees responsible for monitoring intelligence services.

The SPD leadership, having finalized a coalition agreement with the CDU, immediately faced disagreements regarding the status of the AfD.

Katja Mast, SPD parliamentary secretary, reinforced the party's commitment to protecting democratic institutions against what she termed a challenge posed by the AfD.

Discussions regarding committee chair allocations are ongoing, with results expected after May 6, when Merz is anticipated to assume the chancellorship.