What's happened
The recent electoral success of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party raises concerns about the stability of European politics. With coalition talks looming in Thuringia and Saxony, the implications for the EU's future are significant, especially amid ongoing crises like the war in Ukraine and climate change.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Jennifer Rankin in The Guardian, the AfD's electoral gains are described as 'bitter' and 'worrying' for the EU, highlighting the potential for a fragmented political landscape. Rankin notes that 'a dark day for Germany is a dark day for Europe,' emphasizing the interconnectedness of national and European politics. The Economist echoes these sentiments, stating that the results confirm the rise of parties once considered extreme, which could destabilize the EU's political framework. The article also points out that the AfD's success is part of a broader trend of far-right parties gaining traction across Europe, raising alarms about the future of democratic governance.
How we got here
The rise of the AfD follows a trend of increasing support for far-right parties across Europe, exacerbated by socio-economic challenges and political fragmentation. Recent elections have shown a shift in voter sentiment, with traditional parties struggling to maintain their influence.
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