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Politics

Controversial Claim: Did Döpfner Seek Cooperation with AfD?

Reports suggest that Mathias Döpfner, the CEO of Germany's largest media outlet, has been trying to persuade the Chancellor to cooperate with AfD.

Controversial Claim: Did Döpfner Seek Cooperation with AfD?
Controversial Claim: Did Döpfner Seek Cooperation with AfD?
Bild: Axel Springer, „Logo Axel Springer SE“, via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain, bearbeitet

In a recent podcast, it was claimed that Mathias Döpfner, the CEO of the major media company Springer, pressured the Chancellor of Germany in early 2026 to remove the "firewall" with the right-wing AfD party. This claim quickly heated up in the media landscape and sparked intense discussions among political observers.

Reactions and Denials

Upon the release of this news, Springer dismissed it as a "lie" and emphasized that there had been no contact between Döpfner and the Chancellor on this matter. This issue reflects the existing tensions in Germany's political landscape and the challenges facing the ruling party.

These claims come at a time when the AfD party is increasingly attracting voters and gaining influence in German politics. It remains to be seen whether this issue will have an impact on political and media relations in the future.