Right turn at a broken traffic light: Germany’s AfD
Jan 23, 2025
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Tom Nuttall, Berlin bureau chief for The Economist, shares insights on the rising influence of Germany's far-right AfD party in the wake of a shaky political landscape. The discussion dives into the AfD's strategy shifts linked to immigration and economic issues. Dua Mohammed, a Syrian refugee, recounts her emotional journey back to a transformed Syria after fleeing conflict, shedding light on the challenges of reintegration and the hope for rebuilding amidst uncertainty.
The AfD's recent surge in popularity reflects effective messaging on immigration and economic concerns, solidifying their position in the upcoming federal elections.
Returning Syrian refugees express a complex mix of hope and challenges in rebuilding their homeland amidst ongoing political and societal instability.
Deep dives
The Rise of the Alternative for Germany (AfD)
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is gearing up for the upcoming federal election with newfound confidence and support among voters. Recent polling indicates that the AfD's popularity surged to about 23-24 percent before stabilizing, which reflects the party's effective messaging strategy focusing on immigration, inflation, and energy prices. An unexpected endorsement from Elon Musk, who engaged in a conversation with AfD's candidate for chancellorship, has added to their visibility and appeal, especially among younger voters. The party's co-leader acknowledged its increasing radicalization but argues that this aligns with the growing extremity in public concerns over internal security and immigration issues in Germany.
The Polarization of German Politics
The political landscape in Germany remains deeply polarized, especially with the looming presence of the AfD in the upcoming election. Other political parties, especially the Christian Democrats, have established a clear firewall, vowing not to cooperate with the AfD in any capacity, even as they garner significant electoral support. This exclusive stance is reflected in their previous election strategies, where they united to prevent the AfD from taking leadership positions, despite its popular support in some eastern regions. The robustness of this political barrier is constantly tested, yet mainstream parties are concerned that failing to address critical voter anxieties regarding the economy and immigration could weaken their stance in future elections.
Refugees Returning to Post-Assad Syria
Amidst the changes in Syria's political landscape, some refugees, like Dua and Jamal, have recently returned after years of displacement. Their experience highlights the emotional and ideological pull of returning home, despite the ongoing challenges that Syria faces, including reconstruction and political uncertainty. The returnees express a commitment to rebuilding their homeland and a belief that many more refugees will similarly seek to return if sanctions are lifted and the situation improves. However, the stories shared by returnees also underscore the harsh realities of transitioning back to a war-torn environment where societal norms and infrastructures have drastically changed.
After the collapse of the governing “traffic light” coalition in December, the hard-right AfD has a renewed swagger. How long can other parties keep it from power? We speak with Syrian refugees heading home at last, following the defenestration of Bashar al-Assad (10:30). And remembering David Lynch, a bright-eyed director of unsettlingly dark films and television (19:34).