The AfD's Rise and Roots of Discontent

This is the audio from a video we have just published on our YouTube channel – an interview with Katja Hoyer. To make sure you never miss great content like this, subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@spiked 

Germany’s ruling Social Democrats (SPD) are facing losses the party has not seen since the 19th century in this weekend’s federal elections, while the populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) is set to double its vote share. Here, historian and journalist Katja Hoyer explains how a failing economy, out-of-control migration and intrusive Net Zero policies have led to mass disaffection with the mainstream parties. She also discusses the growing class divide, the rise and fall of ‘left-conservatism’, and why JD Vance’s warnings about free speech resonated with East Germans. 

Celebrate 25 years of spiked. Donate £25 or more to get a year’s membership of spiked supporters for half the usual price: https://www.spiked-online.com/donate/ 

Apply for spiked’s internship programme: https://www.spiked-online.com/2025/01/10/apply-now-to-become-a-spiked-intern-2/ 

Support spiked:  
https://www.spiked-online.com/support/ 
Sign up to spiked’s newsletters:
https://www.spiked-online.com/newsletters/ 

Order Brendan O’Neill’s After the Pogrom now from:
🇬🇧 📕 Amazon UK: 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/After-Pogrom-October-Israel-Civilisation/dp/1068719303/ 
🇺🇸 📕 Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/After-Pogrom-October-Israel-Civilisation/dp/1068719303/