Nina Haase, Chief Political Correspondent for Deutsche Welle, and Constanze Stelzenmüller, Director at the Brookings Institution, dive into Germany's shifting political landscape. They discuss the historic electoral gains of the far-right Alternative for Germany party and the implications for democracy and transatlantic relations. The conversation highlights the challenges of managing free speech amid rising extremism and the urgency for a stable government to counter external threats. Fear and hope collide as Germany grapples with its past and future.
Germany's recent election saw a significant rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany party, capturing around 20% of the vote and indicating growing anti-immigrant sentiment.
Friedrich Merz's conservative CDU party emphasized urgency in leadership and immigration reform, promising effective solutions in response to current political and economic challenges.
Deep dives
Historic Election Turnout and Shift in Power
The recent election in Germany witnessed the highest voter turnout in a generation, with over 80% of eligible voters participating. Friedrich Merz from the conservative CDU party is set to become the new chancellor, emphasizing the need for swift action rather than lengthy coalition negotiations. This election saw the Conservatives sweep the Social Democrats out of power, forming a pro-European centrist government. Notably, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AFD) party achieved a significant milestone, securing about 20% of the vote, marking a troubling rise in far-right sentiment in the country.
Friedrich Merz and Key Election Issues
Friedrich Merz has re-entered politics after being sidelined by Angela Merkel, advocating for a stronger stance on immigration and addressing Germany's sluggish economy. His campaign addressed the political turmoil following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, highlighting a widespread desire among Germans for change and effective solutions. The Conservatives framed the previous government as overwhelmed by challenges, positioning themselves as the viable alternative for leading the country during turbulent times. Key topics such as immigration reform, economic revitalization, and a response to the crisis in Ukraine resonated deeply with voters.
The Rise and Influence of the AFD
The Alternative for Germany (AFD) has evolved from an EU-skeptic party into a major force in German politics, capitalizing on anti-immigrant sentiments and dissatisfaction with mainstream parties. The AFD's controversial positions, including connections to neo-Nazi movements and pro-Putin views, have raised significant concerns about its impact on Germany's liberal democracy. Despite its second-place finish, the AFD's influence in parliament will enable it to shape debates and policy discussions. However, mainstream political parties have firmly ruled out forming a coalition with the AFD, reinforcing a historical commitment to exclude far-right elements from governance.
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany party won its best ever results this weekend. We hear why an anti-immigrant, fascist-curious party is surging in the land that gave birth to Nazism.
This episode was produced by Travis Larchuk with help from Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Victoria Chamberlin, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Noel King
A poster of Alice Weidel, who co-leads the Alternative for Germany (AfD), behind a "Make Duisburg great again" cap. Photo by LOUIS VAN BOXEL-WOOLF/AFP via Getty Images.