German Parties Deepen Divides Ahead of February Bundestag Election

Key political figures clash over alliances, migration policies, and economic strategies as campaigns intensify.

Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer strongly rejected a potential coalition between the CDU/CSU and the Greens, likening Green policies to the failures of the DDR era.
The AfD finalized its election platform, emphasizing stricter migration policies and introducing the controversial term 'remigration,' while restructuring its youth organization to align more closely with the party.
Sahra Wagenknecht's BSW party adopted its election manifesto, focusing on economic reform, lower energy costs, and opposition to U.S.-aligned policies, with Wagenknecht delivering a fiery critique of political rivals.
CSU leaders at their winter retreat condemned both the AfD's radical rhetoric and the Greens' policies, warning that alliances with the Greens could alienate voters and strengthen extremist parties.
FDP leader Christian Lindner maintained hope for a CDU-FDP coalition despite low polling numbers, while SPD and Green leaders criticized the CDU's stance on the AfD and its economic promises.