CDU and SPD Reject Cooperation with AfD in North Rhine-Westphalia

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) in North Rhine-Westphalia have ruled out any cooperation with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the second round of municipal elections.

Sarah Philipp, leader of the Social Democrats, and state premier Hendrik Wüst (CDU) stated that their parties would not support far-right candidates.

The AfD recorded an increase in its vote share in Sunday's elections compared to 2020, while the CDU remained at the same level and the SPD suffered losses.

The two political leaders emphasized that they would jointly oppose the AfD candidates in the runoff election on September 28.