The Global Story Will Germany lift the firewall around the AfD?
Feb 3, 2025
Jess Parker and Damien McGuinness, BBC correspondents in Berlin, dive deep into the tumultuous rise of the Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) party. They discuss how Germany's historical sensitivity to far-right extremism is being challenged by the AfD's increasing acceptance in mainstream politics. The conversation highlights Alice Weidel's pivotal role in the party's shift from economic concerns to radical nationalism and explores the implications of this political shift for Germany's identity and future governance.
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Germany's Relationship with Right-Wing Politics
- Germany has been sensitive to right-wing groups since WWII.
- This sensitivity stems from a commitment to fight far-right extremism and atone for Nazi crimes.
AFD Support in East Germany
- Jess Parker has spoken to AFD supporters in East Germany.
- Their main concerns are cost of living, immigration, and feeling overlooked by the rest of Germany.
AFD's Origins and Evolution
- The AFD was founded in 2013 in response to the Eurozone crisis and Angela Merkel's centrist policies.
- While initially focused on the euro, underlying nationalist and anti-immigration sentiments were always present.