Overview

• Jens Spahn defended treating the AfD under standard Bundestag rules to avoid portraying the party as victims, denying accusations of advocating for normalization.
• Bärbel Bas warned against institutional roles for the AfD, citing the party's radicalization and misuse of parliamentary practices.
• Spahn firmly ruled out a wealth tax under CDU leadership, proposing a phased approach to tax relief starting with economic growth measures and energy cost reductions.
• Carsten Linnemann confirmed he declined a ministerial position, opting to remain CDU General Secretary, fueling speculation about cabinet assignments.
• The public debate highlighted persistent ideological divides within the CDU-SPD coalition, raising concerns about the stability of their partnership.