What's happened
As Germany heads to the polls today, the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) is projected to secure significant support, potentially finishing second. This election reflects a shift in the political landscape, influenced by US endorsements and domestic unrest over immigration and economic issues.
What's behind the headline?
Political Landscape Shift
- The rise of the AfD marks a significant shift in German politics, as it transitions from a fringe party to a major contender.
- Influences from the US, particularly endorsements from figures like JD Vance and Elon Musk, have emboldened the party.
Economic and Social Context
- Germany's economy has faced challenges, including post-pandemic inflation and energy supply issues, exacerbating public discontent.
- The focus on immigration has overshadowed other pressing issues, such as climate change and economic recovery, allowing the AfD to dominate the narrative.
Future Implications
- If the AfD secures a strong position, it could complicate coalition-building efforts and shift Germany's political discourse further to the right.
- The election outcome may also influence EU policies, particularly regarding immigration and defense spending in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
What the papers say
The Guardian highlights the AfD's rise as a response to economic stagnation and immigration issues, noting that the party is poised to finish second in the elections. JD Vance's controversial meeting with AfD leader Alice Weidel has drawn criticism, with Olaf Scholz emphasizing the importance of rejecting far-right extremism. Meanwhile, the New York Times discusses Weidel's role in normalizing the AfD's presence in mainstream politics, despite its extremist ties. The Independent reports on Viktor Orbán's endorsement of Weidel, indicating a shift in European political dynamics as far-right parties gain traction.
How we got here
The upcoming election follows the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition government in November 2024, driven by disputes over economic revitalization and rising anti-immigrant sentiment. The AfD's growing popularity has been fueled by a series of violent incidents and economic stagnation.
Go deeper
- What are the main issues in this election?
- How has the AfD gained popularity recently?
- What are the implications of US involvement in German politics?
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Olaf Scholz is a German politician serving as Federal Minister of Finance and Vice Chancellor under Chancellor Angela Merkel since 14 March 2018.
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Friedrich Merz is a German lawyer and politician. A member of the Christian Democratic Union, he served as a Member of the European Parliament from 1989 to 1994 and was elected to the Bundestag from 1994 until 2009, where he chaired the CDU/CSU parliament
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Alice Elisabeth Weidel is a German politician and has been the leader of the right-wing Alternative for Germany in the Bundestag since October 2017.
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Viktor Mihály Orbán is a Hungarian politician who has been Prime Minister of Hungary since 2010; he was also Prime Minister from 1998 to 2002.
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Alternative for Germany is a right-wing to far-right political party in Germany. Founded in April 2013, the AfD narrowly missed the 5% electoral threshold to sit in the Bundestag during the 2013 federal election.
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