CDU mulls coalition with AfD in eastern Germany
State branch of Merkel's party breaks with national line
Move would mark a significant shift in German politics
The leader of Germany's largest opposition party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has said he would be willing to form a coalition with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the eastern state of Thuringia.
The move would mark a significant shift in German politics, as the CDU has traditionally ruled out any cooperation with the AfD, which is seen as a far-right, anti-immigrant party.
However, the CDU's state branch in Thuringia has been under pressure to form a coalition with the AfD after the party emerged as the second-largest force in the state parliament in elections last year.
The CDU's national leadership has so far resisted calls to form a coalition with the AfD, but the state branch's decision could put pressure on the party to reconsider its position.
The AfD has been gaining support in eastern Germany in recent years, and the CDU's decision to consider a coalition with the party could be seen as an attempt to shore up support in the region.
However, the move could also alienate voters in other parts of Germany, where the AfD is seen as a pariah.
The CDU's decision is likely to be closely watched by other parties in Germany, as it could have implications for the formation of a new government after the next federal election in 2021.
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