Merz abandons East-West unity push as CDU splits over AfD ban

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reportedly given up on bridging the East-West divide within the CDU, amid internal party conflict over a potential AfD ban. A working group initiated by North Rhine-Westphalia's Hendrik Wüst on the ban procedure is seen as a sign of political helplessness, while Merz's threats of federal coercion have deepened the split. This reflects growing intra-party fragmentation and challenges to Merz's leadership.