As Spiegel reports, the image shows Heuer leaning toward Siegmund, placing his hand on the latter’s shoulder — both are laughing. The photo was taken Thursday evening during a panel discussion in Halberstadt (Harz district). The CDU insists the situation was confrontational, but a video capturing the moment casts doubt on that version.
Heuer himself rejects the impression that the so-called firewall against the AfD is being dismantled. The opposite is true, the CDU parliamentary group leader stated. Nevertheless, the photo is causing unrest within the CDU and drawing sharp criticism from the Left and Greens. Parties reacted with dismay to the image.
The incident comes in the hot phase of the state election campaign in Saxony-Anhalt, where the CDU under Reiner Haseloff is fighting for a renewed government. The AfD is strong in polls, and the CDU has repeatedly ruled out cooperation. The photo could now fuel doubts about this stance.
Source: www.spiegel.de
