Albig’s remarks, made in a recent newspaper interview, prompted immediate backlash from within the SPD, with various state party representatives categorically rejecting any form of collaboration with the AfD. Former Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated the party’s stance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a ‘firewall’ against the AfD, stating, ‘No democratic state in accordance with our Basic Law can be formed with the AfD.’ Scholz’s comments were disseminated through his social media channels, reinforcing the SPD’s commitment to distancing itself from the far-right party.