Hessian Premier Calls for AfD Committee Seats and Questions CDU Leadership Power

Boris Rhein, the Minister-President of Hessen, told Stern that the AfD must be allowed to assume the committee chair positions it is entitled to under parliamentary rules, a stance already applied in his state and elsewhere. He criticized the concentration of power in CDU leader Friedrich Merz, insisting that the party’s course should be determined collectively by Merz and the CDU-affiliated state premiers. Rhein rejected any prohibition of the AfD, proposing instead that the party be confronted with stronger policy alternatives and a reclaimed narrative on everyday issues.

He also highlighted the “Brandmauer” strategy as ineffective and advocated for a more adaptable policy line. While acknowledging the AfD’s presence in the Bundestag, Rhein maintained a clear ideological distance, insisting the party should not be excluded from parliamentary work. The interview also touched on the upcoming chancellor debate, where Rhein avoided naming Merz directly.