Germany’s Political Landscape Shifts as Far-Right AfD Gains Ground

Germany’s political system has long been designed to keep extremist parties at bay, but recent elections signal a stark shift. The Alternative for Germany (AfD), a far-right party once considered an outcast, has surged into the mainstream, securing a historic second-place finish. While it is unlikely to lead the next government, its rising influence marks a turning point in German and European politics. The AfD, founded in 2013, has since evolved into a movement known for its staunch anti-immigration stance, nationalist rhetoric, and opposition to Germany’s postwar political consensus. The party has long been ostracized by the country’s mainstream political forces, yet its growing voter base suggests that German politics is undergoing a profound transformation.

The mainstream conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) secured the most votes, positioning its leader, Friedrich Merz, as the country’s likely next chancellor. However, despite the CDU’s victory, the AfD’s unprecedented gains, doubling its support since 2021, indicate a growing appetite for nationalist and anti-immigration policies among German voters. The CDU, traditionally a center-right party that champions economic stability and European cooperation, now faces pressure from both the rising far-right and the governing center-left coalition led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD), which has been struggling to maintain public confidence amid economic downturns and unpopular policies, suffered heavy losses in the recent election. This dynamic has left the CDU in a delicate position; while it aims to consolidate conservative votes, it also risks alienating moderate supporters if it moves too close to AfD-style rhetoric.

The AfD’s strongest showing came in eastern Germany, where economic stagnation and unemployment have fueled support. In states like Saxony and Thuringia, where many voters feel left behind by Berlin’s economic policies, the AfD has capitalized on frustration with globalization, immigration, and the European Union. However, the party also made inroads in western Germany, a sign that its appeal is no longer limited to former East Germany. Cities like Gelsenkirchen, an industrial center struggling with economic downturns, and Kaiserslautern, home to key U.S. military bases, saw significant AfD gains, reflecting broader discontent with Germany’s political establishment. The party’s leaders, including Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, celebrated their victory, with Weidel declaring, “We have never been stronger…” The AfD’s ability to tap into voter anger, particularly over issues such as inflation, energy prices, and migration, has helped it expand beyond its traditional strongholds.

A key question now is whether Germany’s political “firewall” against the far right will hold. Traditionally, major parties have refused to work with the AfD, citing its extreme views and history of rhetoric that draws comparisons to Germany’s Nazi past. However, cracks are appearing. In January, Merz controversially passed an immigration bill with AfD support, signaling a potential shift in political alliances. While Merz later insisted that his party would not formally cooperate with the AfD, the moment revealed that, under certain circumstances, the CDU is willing to engage with the far-right party on specific policies. This raises concerns among critics who fear that normalizing the AfD’s role in German politics could further erode democratic norms and empower extremist elements. On the other hand, some CDU voters argue that excluding a party that commands such a large portion of the electorate is undemocratic and counterproductive. The debate over how to handle the AfD’s rise is intensifying within Germany’s political landscape, with potential long-term consequences for the nation’s governance.

Internationally, the AfD has drawn backing from figures like tech billionaire Elon Musk and U.S. Vice President JD Vance. Both have criticized Germany’s resistance to working with the far right, with Vance calling the exclusion of the AfD undemocratic. This reflects a broader global trend in which right-wing populist movements are gaining traction, often with the backing of influential figures outside their own countries. Meanwhile, Merz has expressed concerns about Germany’s reliance on the U.S., advocating for greater European independence. His stance aligns with growing skepticism in Germany about Washington’s influence on European security and economic policies. At the same time, the AfD has embraced a more overtly nationalist approach, advocating for policies that prioritize German sovereignty over EU commitments. The growing polarization between pro-European and nationalist forces within Germany could reshape the country’s role on the global stage, particularly in its relations with the European Union and NATO.

The AfD’s rise is part of a broader trend across Europe, where nationalist and far-right parties have gained ground in countries like Italy, France, and the Netherlands. The political shifts in Germany, long seen as a pillar of European stability, could have ripple effects across the continent. If the CDU struggles to maintain its dominance while keeping the AfD at arm’s length, German politics may become even more fragmented. Whether Germany’s political system can adapt to these changes without compromising its democratic principles remains an open question. What is clear, however, is that Germany’s political future has taken a decisive turn, one that could reshape both the country and the continent in the years to come.