I found it telling that on the Triell, Özdemir was trying to be friendly with Hagel and Hagel reacted rather offishly. For example, in the end Özdemir said that their party governed together successfully in good and bad times and asked him what he can compliment in the greens. Hagel responded something like (paraphrased) “Uhh yes well, we governened through good… and bad yes…” The moderator remarked somewhat ironically “well thats a diplomatic response”. Given all of their behaviour in the past years, they really despise the greens.
Though I agree that the AfD is probably not ready for a coalition yet. But not necessarily because of lack of desperation, but because they’re chaotic and and don’t keep their more radical members and problems in check (like the CDU does (often by successfully sweeping things under the rug)). So I suppose the CDU will probably go for the more orderly choice of the greens again. But the AfD will get more normalized over time and also learn how to wear the mask better.
What I’m mainly wondering is why they basically ceded, moved to the right and don’t talk about it anymore. They did pick up some steam online recently in adressing the fossil corruption, but nothing much about being basically beaten in line. Do they think it’s not worth it?
I suppose some of the more center greens like Özdemir aren’t that unhappy about the party’s changed orientation at least.