Söder Demands CDU Lawmakers Identify AfD Votes in Saxony-Anhalt

Bavarian Premier Markus Söder has publicly challenged members of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Saxony-Anhalt to disclose their votes for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), accusing them of lacking the courage to stand by their decisions. The demand follows the controversial election of AfD lawmaker Tobias Rausch as the state’s parliamentary speaker.

In an interview with the public broadcaster ARD, Söder, who leads the Bavarian sister party of the CDU, stated, “Do you want to go somewhere else? Then just say so.” He criticized the anonymous votes as “pretty poor form” and argued that those involved should demonstrate “backbone” by revealing how they cast their ballots.

The election of Rausch last week marked a historic and divisive moment in German politics. It was the first time a member of the AfD, whose Saxony-Anhalt chapter is classified as right-wing extremist, was elected to the position. This also represents the first instance in postwar Germany where a right-wing extremist has risen to such a parliamentary role.

Although the populist Party of Advance Social Equity (BSW) declared its support for Rausch, he secured 48 votes, indicating additional backing. It is widely suspected that this extra support came from conservative CDU members who broke ranks to vote for him in a secret ballot.

Rausch’s election triggered widespread outrage across Germany, with many CDU members condemning the move as a violation of the “firewall”—a long-standing agreement among mainstream parties not to cooperate with the AfD.

Amidst the political turmoil, Federal Labor Minister and SPD co-chair Bärbel Bas has resigned from both her government post and her party leadership role. Citing “open attacks” from senior members of the coalition partner CDU, Bas announced her departure, adding that a recent death in her family influenced her decision. Her resignation highlights the deepening fractures within Chancellor Merz’s governing coalition.