Center and LEft German politicians are facing mounting fears mounting that the Christian Democrats could align with the far right.
Alarm bells are ringing that Germany could follow Austria’s path, with the Christian Democrats “succumbing to far-right extremists” of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) if a government composed of the “democratic arc” parties fails to form after Sunday’s elections. This warning comes from Lisa Badum, a Green MP since 2017 and chairwoman of the Parliamentary Committee on Climate Policy and Energy, in an interview with To Vima. Her concerns stem from the recent parliamentary cooperation between the Christian Democrats (CDU) and AfD on new immigration and asylum legislation.
“In recent weeks, the Christian Democratic chancellor candidate, Friedrich Merz, has shown that he will not hesitate to break his promises if he believes it will benefit him personally,” says Badum, who also leads the Hellenic-German Friendship Parliamentary Group and the Union of Hellenic-German Societies. Since 2021, she has watched anxiously as AFD’s “odious messages are increasingly being copied by the Christian Democrats, who have gradually, over the last few years, shifted to the right”
Will the Greens Join the Next Government Coalition?
“The composition of the next government coalition depends entirely on the voters’ will on Sunday. Many remain undecided, and I am working day and night to convince as many as possible to support us.”
Could the 25% of Undecided Voters Cause an Election “Earthquake”?
“It could be a decisive factor if many of them turn out to vote. The next four years will be crucial in determining whether Europe can achieve its climate goals in a socially just way, whether Germany’s global influence will grow or shrink, and whether we can modernize our economic model for the 21st century. I firmly believe the Greens have the best answers to these pressing issues.”
Is a CDU-AfD Coalition Still a Possibility?
“Although the CDU has publicly ruled out a coalition with the AfD, in recent weeks, the Christian Democratic chancellor candidate, Friedrich Merz, has shown that he will not hesitate to break his promises if he believes it will benefit him personally. There is a real risk that Germany could face a situation like Austria, where democratic parties fail to form a government, and the Christian Democrats succumb to far-right extremists. We are doing everything we can to prevent that from happening.”
Why Are People Voting for AfD?
“The AfD itself has admitted that it thrives when Germany is struggling. The country is currently in the midst of a structural economic crisis, largely due to Russia’s war in Ukraine and years of underinvestment during Angela Merkel’s chancellorship. However, most voters understand that the AfD offers no real solutions—only hatred and lies.
The problem, however, is that the party is becoming increasingly normalized in our public discourse. It is being boosted by social media algorithms owned by tech oligarchs, click-seeking platforms from German media, and its odious messages are increasingly being copied by the Christian Democrats, who have gradually, over the last few years, shifted to the right. If we want to put an end to the success of the far right in Germany, we must reduce social inequality, fight misinformation and strengthen the integration of refugees and migrants into our society.”
What Will Decide Sunday’s Election Outcome?
“There are many crucial issues we should be discussing—climate change, rising rents and food prices, or the surge in domestic violence against women. Yet, the debate has been dominated by immigration and asylum. Given that many recent terrorist attacks were committed by individuals with mental health issues, we should focus on improving mental health services instead of staging ‘deportation contests’ that dehumanize entire groups of people. I believe voters will see through these one-sided discussions.”
Why Haven’t the Greens Increased Their Support?
“The results aren’t in yet, but this election is taking place in a completely different political landscape than in 2021, when climate action was a top priority for voters. Now, in 2025, we are dealing with a war at Europe’s doorstep, rising authoritarianism across the Atlantic, and a cost-of-living crisis at home.
And yet, of the three coalition partners—the Social Democrats, the Free Democrats, and us—the Greens are the only party even close to matching our previous election result. I take that as a sign of support for our political platform and candidates.”
If the Greens Rejoin the Government, What Will Be Your Priorities?
“As a climate policymaker, I personally have four key priorities for the next term, if it arises.
First, we must finally get on track to meet our climate goals in the transport and housing sectors, primarily through electrification. Second, we need a plan to make Germany independent of costly fossil fuel imports, which amount to around 80 billion euros a year, including LNG.
Third, we must strengthen our climate diplomacy efforts to drive the global transition while securing Europe’s leadership in green policies. Fourth, we must ensure Germany remains globally competitive by investing in future-oriented technologies such as renewable energy, electromobility, and green steel.
All of this will not only help protect the environment—without which we cannot survive—but will also contribute to a stronger and more prosperous Germany.”
What Is the Greens’ Energy Policy?
“In the last three years, despite Russia’s energy crisis, we have made significant progress toward a fully renewable energy system. This important work must continue.
At the same time, we must ensure that electricity, heating, and mobility remain affordable for everyone. This includes reducing electricity taxes, maintaining socially fair subsidies, and investing in public transport and railways.
We also plan to introduce a climate bonus to compensate consumers for rising carbon prices, which would primarily benefit low-income households. Germany aims to be climate-neutral by 2045, and we are the only party with a realistic plan to achieve this.”
