Ex-CDU Leader Lieberknecht Urges Pragmatic Approach to AfD in Thuringia

Christine Lieberknecht advises her party to engage with the AfD in parliamentary processes while maintaining a firm stance against extremist elements.

Christine Lieberknecht, former Minister-President of Thuringia, calls for a pragmatic approach to dealing with the AfD, emphasizing the need to respect their parliamentary rights.
Lieberknecht insists that the CDU should not actively collaborate with the AfD but should engage them in procedural discussions, such as the appointment of parliamentary roles.
The AfD, labeled as right-wing extremist by the state's Verfassungsschutz, emerged as the strongest party in the recent Thuringian elections, complicating legislative processes that require a two-thirds majority.
Despite acknowledging extremist elements within the AfD, Lieberknecht is skeptical about the success of a party ban, arguing that banning ideas is ineffective.
Lieberknecht's stance includes involving the AfD in the election of constitutional judges, given their significant representation in the Landtag.