Overview

• CDU/CSU and SPD leaders are negotiating a joint strategy to limit the AfD's influence in the Bundestag following its rise to the second-largest faction with 152 seats.
• Thorsten Frei of the CDU/CSU emphasized that the coalition's approach is procedural, not a political classification of the AfD as a party.
• Frei stated that AfD candidates lack the required majority to secure vice-presidential roles and are expected to continue failing in future votes.
• Concerns over the Verfassungsschutz's classification of the AfD as right-wing extremist in some states underpin efforts to bar its members from the intelligence oversight committee.
• Jens Spahn's proposal to treat the AfD as a regular opposition party has caused internal divisions within the CDU/CSU leadership.