Söder dismisses 'imaginary firewalls' as AfD and FPÖ align

CSU leader Markus Söder, after a retreat with Austria's Chancellor, stated that Germany does not need 'imaginary firewalls' against the far-right AfD, noting that AfD and FPÖ 'march side by side.' This marks a notable softening of the CDU/CSU's stance on cooperation with the AfD, potentially reshaping the political landscape ahead of elections. The statement is part of a broader debate within the Union over candidate Merz's leadership, with a JU politician demanding he withdraw his candidacy.