Overview
- The dispute escalated this week when AfD parliamentary manager Bernd Baumann filmed a visit to the CDU headquarters and AfD MP Tobias Teich filed a police complaint accusing the CDU of defamation.
- The 32–36 page brochure, produced by the Konrad‑Adenauer‑Haus and first distributed at the CDU federal congress in February, labels the AfD 'demokratieschädlich, antisemitisch and völkisch' and is presented as a handbook for members and campaigners.
- The CDU backs its claims with many public AfD quotes, party texts and Verfassungsschutz analyses, while at least one central charge — that the AfD openly seeks to deport 'millions' of citizens — has been flagged by multiple outlets as disputed and not conclusively evidenced.
- The CDU has amplified the booklet’s reach by posting social videos, mailing copies to AfD MPs, selling printed sets in its online shop and ordering repeated reprints after the initial run sold out.
- The fight has wider consequences because INSA polls show large AfD leads in parts of eastern Germany, civic groups have planned nationwide protests calling for an AfD‑ban procedure, and the controversy could affect coalition choices and local election tactics.