In Berlin on February 23rd, a far-right party achieved a historic milestone by coming in second in the election, representing a notable challenge to the ruling parties despite being kept out of government. The Alternative for Germany (AfD), founded in 2013 as a party of libertarian economists but now known for its anti-immigration, pro-Russia stance, garnered support from approximately one-fifth of Germans.
Although the AfD faces resistance from other parties forming a "firewall" against its inclusion in the government, the party's leader hinted at future aspirations in her victory speech. She emphasized their readiness to form a coalition government and claimed it would be unfair if the leading conservatives chose left-wing parties over them, vowing that they would come first in the next election.
The AfD leader expressed pride in the party's mainstream status, pointing out its significant electoral gains. Despite being sidelined from coalitions, support for the AfD was noted to have doubled since 2021, appealing particularly to younger voters disillusioned by prolonged economic challenges.
Within the AfD ranks, the party's policies advocating strict migration controls, EU dissolution, and a shift in alliances have stirred controversy, leading to surveillance by security services as a potential threat to Germany's democratic order. The party's success in regional elections and its influence on mainstream political discourse underscore its growing impact, with implications for immigration policies and European alliances.
The AfD's growing prominence has sparked mixed reactions, with domestic and international figures monitoring the party's development. While facing opposition and criticism for its extreme views, the AfD's gradual political ascent reflects a shifting landscape in German politics, raising concerns among observers such as Josef Schuster from Germany's Central Jewish Council about the rise of far-right ideologies within the country.