Weidel complains about Correctiv
Dobrindt accuses AfD of “treason”
January 31, 2024, 4:41 p.m
The Union and the AfD actually agree on their fundamental criticism of the traffic light. The CSU regional group leader nevertheless rejects any solidarity within the opposition. While the federal government is governing poorly, the AfD is ruining Germany, says Dobrindt during the general debate in the Bundestag.
CSU regional group leader Alexander Dobrindt blamed the traffic light coalition for the poor economic situation in Germany and the protests by farmers, for example – and at the same time defended the government against attacks by the AfD. “This government governs badly, but it doesn’t hate this country,” said the chairman of the CSU representatives in the Bundestag in the general debate about the Chancellor’s budget in Berlin, rejecting a corresponding statement by AfD leader Alice Weidel. Weidel said in her speech: “This government hates Germany.”
Dobrindt sharply attacked the AfD. “You are working on the ruin of this country,” he criticized against the backdrop of calls from the AfD for an exit from the EU or the euro. The AfD is talking about joining Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, moving closer to his Eurasian Economic Union and destroying free Europe, Dobrindt said. “You are not the alternative for Germany,” he shouted to applause from his own ranks and added: “The alternative that you offer is the alternative of immaturity, of subjugation, of lack of freedom. That has nothing to do with patriotism, This is treason to the fatherland.”
Dobrindt countered Green party leader Britta Haßelmann, who had warned the Union against badmouthing Germany: “Don’t govern this country badly. You can only fight right-wing extremism if you don’t just want to demonstrate it away or ban it, but if you do “You have to rule him away too. And you still have responsibility for that at the moment.”
Weidel calls Correctiv “auxiliary Stasi”
AfD leader Weidel accused the traffic light coalition of creating a “path of destruction” through this country. “There is a fire in Germany. And the government made up of overwhelmed, incorrectly appointed people and stubborn ideologues is the arsonist. The battered top performers in this country are taking to the streets.” Weidel described the research into the Potsdam secret meeting as a “lie” and “slander”. The research network Correctiv, which uncovered the meeting between AfD politicians and right-wing extremists, insulted them as “auxiliary Stasi”. Weidel spoke of an “unprecedented smear campaign” against the AfD. Weidel said: “The Federal President describes AfD voters as rats.”
She was apparently referring to statements made on Monday. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier had called for a broad alliance for democracy and against extremism and said: “We will not let extremist pied pipers destroy this country.”
Haßelmann appeals to Merz
Green parliamentary group leader Haßelmann, for her part, accused Weidel of “misanthropy, dangerousness, and contempt for democracy and democratic institutions.” Haßelmann pointed out that two of Weidel’s close associates apparently took part in the meeting in Potsdam. The AfD MPs were “democratically elected, but they are not democrats,” said the Green politician. “More and more people are recognizing this,” she added, referring to the demonstrations against the right.
Haßelmann also addressed the speech by Union parliamentary group leader Friedrich Merz, who had rejected further cooperation with “Ampel”. Neither the Greens nor the SPD and FDP would spare themselves such calls because all democratic parties are called upon at this time, said Haßelmann. She asked the CDU leader not to create a gap here.