Anti-AfD protest highlights Germany's growing political divide
2 months, 1 week ago

Anti-AfD protest highlights Germany's growing political divide

China Daily  

Police officers stand in front of protesters, as the protesters block a road during a demonstration, near the venue for the far-right Alternative for Germany party congress in Riesa, Germany, Jan 11, 2025. Protesters shouted anti-fascist slogans including "No to Nazis" outside the venue of the AfD convention where co-leader Alice Weidel was chosen as the party's candidate for chancellor in next month's election. Analysts said Weidel's live X chat last week with US technology billionaire and the world's richest man, Elon Musk, who has endorsed her party, did little to change her prospects of becoming the country's leader, because Germany's established parties all maintain a strict policy of non-cooperation with the AfD and say they will not partner it in a coalition government. She also promised to restore the damaged Nord Stream gas pipeline and pledged to dismantle the country's wind turbines, which she derided as "windmills of shame", if the AfD gained power. At a news conference in Hamburg on Saturday, Merz focused on his party's promise of "fundamental change" following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's unpopular and fractious coalition in November.

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History of this topic

Who are the AfD? Germany’s new far-right opposition and the subject of Elon Musk’s infatuation
1 month ago

Who are the AfD? Germany’s new far-right opposition and the subject of Elon Musk’s infatuation

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Despite being designated by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency as …

How Germany voted: Election results map shows far-right AfD surge in East as CDU win most seats
Top News
1 month ago

How Germany voted: Election results map shows far-right AfD surge in East as CDU win most seats

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Germany’s far-right Alternative fur Deutschland party party saw particular …

Charting the rise of Germany’s far-right AfD party
Trending News
1 month ago

Charting the rise of Germany’s far-right AfD party

Al Jazeera  

The AfD doubles its share of the vote from 10.4 percent in 2021 to 20.8 percent, becoming Germany’s second largest political party. In a historic shift in Germany’s political landscape, the far-right Alternative for Germany has surged to become the second largest party in the Bundestag, winning 20.8 percent of the vote in federal elections. They include: Immigration controls, including …

Conservatives celebrate German election win as the far right sees historic success
1 month ago

Conservatives celebrate German election win as the far right sees historic success

Associated Press  

BERLIN — German opposition leader Friedrich Merz’s conservatives have won a lackluster victory in a national election Sunday, projections show. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print From left, Amira Mohamed Ali, co-leader of the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance, Jan van Aken, co-leader of the Left Party, Robert Habeck, Vice Chancellor and member of the …

As Germany goes to vote, far-right AfD puts leftists & moderates on notice
1 month ago

As Germany goes to vote, far-right AfD puts leftists & moderates on notice

Firstpost  

In Germany that once swore to never again let fascism take over, neo-Nazis of Alternative for Germany are projected to be the second-largest party in elections, putting the moderates on notice that if they don’t address the socioeconomic crisis, their time might be up soon A decade ago, Germany had a resilient economy, a fiscal discipline that was admired, and …

German Election Live Updates: CDU's Friedrich Merz claims victory, Scholz concedes defeat
1 month ago

German Election Live Updates: CDU's Friedrich Merz claims victory, Scholz concedes defeat

Firstpost  

German Snap Election 2025 Live Updates: The conservative CDU/CSU is projected to lead the new German parliament with around 29 per cent of the vote, positioning Friedrich Merz as the frontrunner for chancellor. Germany’s conservative election frontrunner Friedrich Merz promised Saturday in his last rally before Sunday’s elections that if he takes power he will be a “strong voice in …

Germany is in fearful mourning while far-right AfD party surges in polls ahead of election
1 month ago

Germany is in fearful mourning while far-right AfD party surges in polls ahead of election

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Now, every time I'm in the city, it reminds …

Support for AfD grows as poll nears
1 month, 1 week ago

Support for AfD grows as poll nears

China Daily  

From left: Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz, leader of the Social Democratic Party, debates issues with the Green Party's main candidate Robert Habeck, Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union, and co-leader and main candidate of the far-right Alternative for Germany party Alice Weidel in Berlin on Sunday. KAY NIETFELD/POOL/AFP Germany faces its most consequential election in decades on Sunday …

JD Vance Met With Alternative For Germany Leader Alice Weidel
1 month, 1 week ago

JD Vance Met With Alternative For Germany Leader Alice Weidel

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING Vice President JD Vance met with Alice Weidel ― co-chair of Germany’s far-right, firmly anti-immigrant party ― on his visit to the country Friday, his office said. Weidel’s party, Alternative for Germany, has been designated by the German domestic intelligence service as a “suspected extremist” organization since 2021. “People really need to get behind AfD, otherwise things …

Germany: A Far Right Reckoning
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Germany: A Far Right Reckoning

Al Jazeera  

People & Power investigates the reasons behind the rise of the far right in Germany. For the first time since the 1930s, the far right is on the verge of a national electoral breakthrough in Germany. February’s snap parliamentary election is looming, with the opinion polls putting the Alternative for Germany party second with about 18-20 percent. Could dissatisfaction with …

At least 200,000 protesters rally in Munich against far-right AfD ahead of German election
1 month, 2 weeks ago

At least 200,000 protesters rally in Munich against far-right AfD ahead of German election

Associated Press  

MUNICH, Germany — More than 200,000 protesters rallied in Munich, Germany, on Saturday against far-right extremism ahead of the country’s general election. The event’s organizer estimated the crowd could be up to 320,000 people, many of whom carried signs against the AfD with slogans like, “Racism and hatred is not an alternative.” The protest was supported by activist groups as …

Protesters rally in Berlin against immigration bill backed by far-right AfD
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Protesters rally in Berlin against immigration bill backed by far-right AfD

Firstpost  

Around 160,000 gathered at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, next to the Bundestag lower house, according to the Berlin police. The protesters held banners reading ‘We are the firewall, no cooperation with the AfD’ and ‘Merz, go home, shame on you’ People light up their mobile phones during a protest against the migration plans of the CDU party leader and top candidate …

Germans protest at conservative cooperation with far right on migration
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Germans protest at conservative cooperation with far right on migration

Al Jazeera  

Protesters say CDU head Friedrich Merz broke post-Nazi norm of never passing any rule with the support of far-right parties. Angry protesters came out in droves in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne and Leipzig on Sunday to oppose Friedrich Merz and the move by his Christian Democratic Union to pass a resolution in parliament with the support of the far-right nationalist …

Germany’s far-right AfD party is obsessed with Trump and Musk
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Germany’s far-right AfD party is obsessed with Trump and Musk

CNN  

Halle and Berlin, Germany CNN — “You have to make a decision. The American people felt liberated.” Chrupalla added: “He implemented his election promises… That’s what I call politics for the people.” Weidel speaks to supporters at the AfD election campaign launch rally in Halle. At the campaign event in Halle, Musk repeated a common trope of his in this …

Germany’s far-right AfD party is obsessed with Trump and Musk
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Germany’s far-right AfD party is obsessed with Trump and Musk

CNN  

Halle and Berlin, Germany CNN — “You have to make a decision. The American people felt liberated.” Chrupalla added: “He implemented his election promises… That’s what I call politics for the people.” Weidel speaks to supporters at the AfD election campaign launch rally in Halle. At the campaign event in Halle, Musk repeated a common trope of his in this …

Now Germany looks to ban all asylum seekers: Centrist party unveils radical plan to close borders as Europe gets tough on migrants
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Now Germany looks to ban all asylum seekers: Centrist party unveils radical plan to close borders as Europe gets tough on migrants

Daily Mail  

A leading German politician has unveiled a plan to crack down on migration, promising to table controversial motions that would immediately bring about a blanket ban on all illegal migrants entering the country. The AfD, currently sitting second in the polls behind Merz's conservative alliance, has been backed by US tech billionaire Elon Musk who sent supporters into raptures this …

Elon Musk tells Germany's far-right AfD it's the 'best hope for the future'
2 months ago

Elon Musk tells Germany's far-right AfD it's the 'best hope for the future'

ABC  

Tens of thousands of Germans have rallied against the far-right ahead of next month's legislative elections, as US tech billionaire Elon Musk again endorsed the far-right Alternative fuer Deutschland party. Mr Musk, speaking by video link on Saturday, told thousands of AfD supporters gathered in the eastern city of Halle that their party was "the best hope for the future …

Thousands protest the rise of German far right ahead of Feb. 23 general election
2 months ago

Thousands protest the rise of German far right ahead of Feb. 23 general election

Associated Press  

BERLIN — Thousands of Germans on Saturday protested in Berlin and other cities against the rise of the far-right and anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party ahead of a Feb. 23 general election. At Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, participants lighted up their phones, blew whistles and sang anti-fascist songs, and in Cologne, protesters carried banners denouncing AfD. Merz said Friday that his …

Thousands in Germany protest the rise of the far right ahead of next month’s election
Trending News
2 months ago

Thousands in Germany protest the rise of the far right ahead of next month’s election

LA Times  

People hold up their phones as they protest the far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD party, and right-wing extremism in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on Saturday. At Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, a huge crowd blew whistles, sang anti-fascist songs and carried banners denouncing Alternative for Germany, or AfD. Saturday’s protests took place while AfD opened its election campaign …

German far-right leader calls protestors ‘red-painted Nazis’ ahead of elections
2 months, 2 weeks ago

German far-right leader calls protestors ‘red-painted Nazis’ ahead of elections

Hindustan Times  

The far-right Alternative for Germany party set out a radical programme on Saturday at a party congress ahead of next month's snap general election as thousands of protesters took to the streets to voice their opposition to the party. AfD national chairwoman Alice Weidel Demonstrators shouting "No to Nazis" outside the venue in the eastern town of Riesa succeeded in …

Thousands protest at far-right AfD rally as German election campaign begins
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Thousands protest at far-right AfD rally as German election campaign begins

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. At a news conference in Hamburg, Mr Merz concentrated …

Germany: How rise of right and Musk's involvement have stirred anxiety
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Germany: How rise of right and Musk's involvement have stirred anxiety

Firstpost  

Now Germany wants a clearer European position and is wary of Trump 2.0. Musk’s comments have stirred Germany’s pot of anxiety Founded in 2013, the AfD has built its base on staunch opposition to immigration and criticism of European Union policies. This election marks a pivotal moment in Germany’s political trajectory, as the right and Eurosceptic Alternative for Germany has …

Thousands gather in Germany to protest far-right AfD congress
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Thousands gather in Germany to protest far-right AfD congress

Al Jazeera  

Thousands attempted to block delegates from attending meeting where Alice Weidel was chosen as the AfD’s candidate for chancellor in next month’s election. Thousands of protesters shouting “No to Nazis” gathered in the German town of Riesa, where the far-right Alternative for Germany party held a key convention approving co-leader Alice Weidel as candidate for chancellor in next month’s snap …

Elon Musk urges Germans to vote for AfD in latest involvement in European politics
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Elon Musk urges Germans to vote for AfD in latest involvement in European politics

CNN  

CNN — Elon Musk praised the co-leader of the German party Alternative for Germany as “very reasonable” on Thursday, urging Germans to vote for the far-right party in what is the latest high-profile sign of the tech billionaire’s involvement in European politics. “Only AfD can save Germany, end of story, and people really need to get behind AfD, and otherwise …

JD Vance calls Elon Musk’s piece praising far-right German party AfD ‘interesting’
Trending News
2 months, 3 weeks ago

JD Vance calls Elon Musk’s piece praising far-right German party AfD ‘interesting’

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Vice President-elect JD Vance took to X to call an …

Elon Musk and Germany’s AfD: What drives his controversial support of the far-right party?
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Elon Musk and Germany’s AfD: What drives his controversial support of the far-right party?

Firstpost  

Elon Musk has sparked a political storm, this time in Germany, with his endorsement of the far-right Alternative for Germany party. In a guest opinion piece, the Tesla CEO praised the AfD’s economic policies and cultural stance, calling them Germany’s ’last spark of hope' Elon Musk, the US-based billionaire tech entrepreneur and CEO of Tesla, has turned heads all the …

Elon Musk backs far-right party AfD in German newspaper opinion piece
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Elon Musk backs far-right party AfD in German newspaper opinion piece

Hindustan Times  

Elon Musk reiterated his support for the far-right Alternative for Germany party, or AfD, in an opinion piece published by the Welt am Sonntag newspaper less than two months before Germans go to the polls. Elon Musk backs Germany's far-right party AfD in German newspaper opinion piece “The AfD, even though it is described as far-right, represents a political realism …

Far-right AfD holds rally as Magdeburg mourns Christmas market victims
3 months ago

Far-right AfD holds rally as Magdeburg mourns Christmas market victims

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image in gallery Candles and flowers outside the …

Germany’s AfD rallies in Magdeburg, site of deadly Christmas market attack
3 months ago

Germany’s AfD rallies in Magdeburg, site of deadly Christmas market attack

Al Jazeera  

The far-right party holds ‘memorial’ rally for victims of car-ramming attack that has inflamed debate on migrant and security policy. Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany party has held what it calls a “memorial” rally for the victims of a car-ramming attack on a Christmas market that has inflamed debate on migrant and security policy. “Terror has arrived in our city,” …

Elon Musk backs Germany’s far-right AfD before elections
3 months ago

Elon Musk backs Germany’s far-right AfD before elections

Al Jazeera  

Germans expected to vote on February 23 after a centre-left coalition government led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz collapses. “Only the AfD can save Germany,” Musk wrote on Friday in a post on his social media platform, X. Europe’s largest economy is expected to vote on February 23 after a centre-left coalition government led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz collapsed. Radtke called …

Germany’s far-right AfD to expel members over links to ‘militant’ groups
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Germany’s far-right AfD to expel members over links to ‘militant’ groups

Al Jazeera  

The political party that made gains in regional polls is defended by its leaders while labelled ‘right-wing extremist’ by Germany’s security services. The far-right Alternative for Germany political party has said it will throw out three of its members who have been arrested on suspicion of having joined an “extremist” paramilitary group. The AfD leadership in the eastern state of …

Germany’s Far Right Is in a Panic Over Telegram
55 years, 2 months ago

Germany’s Far Right Is in a Panic Over Telegram

Wired  

Soon after the arrest of Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov, a warning that was viewed more than 85,000 times started circulating among Germany’s far right: “Back up your Telegram data as quickly as you can and clean your account.” The message came from Kim Dotcom, the embattled German founder of the now-defunct digital piracy website Megaupload who is set …

'Europe’s long rightward lurch continues' as Germany's AfD projected to win
6 months, 3 weeks ago

'Europe’s long rightward lurch continues' as Germany's AfD projected to win

Raw Story  

Germany's far-right party Alternative for Germany is projected to win in Sunday's statewide elections in a political earthquake—the first time a far-right party has won an election in Germany since the 1930s Nazi-era. Today's election results are seen as a barometer of public sentiment toward German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition ahead of Germany's next national election in a little over …

AfD’s win in Germany shows it’s young men driving the rise of the far right across Europe
6 months, 3 weeks ago

AfD’s win in Germany shows it’s young men driving the rise of the far right across Europe

The Independent  

On 9 June, Jordan Bardella, leader of France’s far-right National Rally, addressed an enthusiastic and jubilant audience with remarkable composure and confidence. open image in gallery National Rally president Jordan Bardella chimes with a young population who feel disillusioned and underserved The AfD’s gains were especially large among young voters. open image in gallery The far-right Portuguese party Chega is …

German Far-Right Party Scores Lead In State Polls For 1st Time Since World War 2, But Govt Role Looks Distant Yet
6 months, 3 weeks ago

German Far-Right Party Scores Lead In State Polls For 1st Time Since World War 2, But Govt Role Looks Distant Yet

ABP News  

The far-right Alternative für Deutschland party is set to win a state election for the first time since World War 2, projections showed on Sunday. Speaking about the results, Alice Weidel, the AfD’s co-leader, said that it was a “historic success”, and that the party had become the biggest force in a state election for the first time. On account …

5 takeaways from Germany's regional elections after far right makes historic gains
6 months, 3 weeks ago

5 takeaways from Germany's regional elections after far right makes historic gains

NPR  

5 takeaways from Germany's regional elections after far right makes historic gains toggle caption Markus Schreiber/AP BERLIN — Voters in two states in eastern Germany have delivered a far-right party its best result since World War II. The Alternative for Germany, known by the German initials AfD, a nationalist party that routinely blames immigrants for many of Germany’s problems, has …

Germany’s far right gets a boost from past traumas haunting industrial east
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Germany’s far right gets a boost from past traumas haunting industrial east

The Hindu  

In the relatively well-off city of Zwickau, in Germany’s former Communist East, economic uncertainty and a turbulent history have combined to drive support for the far right ahead of a key regional election. “People are afraid of losing everything they have built up again over the years,” said Zwickau’s Mayor, Constance Arndt. To understand why “the mood is so bad” …

Two police officers hospitalised in violent clash with protesters at far-right AfD congress in Germany
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Two police officers hospitalised in violent clash with protesters at far-right AfD congress in Germany

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Two police officers have been …

German far-right party reelects its leaders after election gains while opponents protest
8 months, 3 weeks ago

German far-right party reelects its leaders after election gains while opponents protest

Associated Press  

BERLIN — The far-right Alternative for Germany reelected its leadership duo Saturday after the party made gains in the recent European election, while thousands of people protested against its convention and some demonstrators tried to block roads or clashed with police. Two officers were kicked in the head while a politician was being escorted through a group of protesters and …

A candidate for Germany’s key party was beaten up while campaigning for European elections
10 months, 3 weeks ago

A candidate for Germany’s key party was beaten up while campaigning for European elections

Associated Press  

BERLIN — A candidate for Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s center-left party in next month’s election for the European Parliament was beaten up and seriously injured while campaigning in an eastern city, the party said Saturday. The main center-left grouping, the Party of European Socialists, which includes the German Social Democrats, on Saturday issued a declaration calling the rise of the far …

A candidate for Germany’s key party was beaten up while campaigning for European elections
10 months, 3 weeks ago

A candidate for Germany’s key party was beaten up while campaigning for European elections

LA Times  

A candidate for the center-left party of German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, left, was attacked while putting up campaign posters in Dresden. A candidate for Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s center-left party in next month’s election for the European Parliament was beaten up and seriously injured while campaigning in an eastern city, the party said Saturday. The main center-left grouping, the Party …

Could the far right come to power again in Germany?
11 months, 1 week ago

Could the far right come to power again in Germany?

The Independent  

As a secret location to plot the political future of Germany, Hotel Landhaus Adlon was not the most diplomatic and sensitive choice. This meeting last November was organised by two businessmen and attended by Roland Hartwig, aide to the AfD leader, Ulrich Siegmund, a regional parliamentary leader, two Austrian neo-Nazi activists, and even two members of the conservative but mainstream …

Germans thought they were immune to nationalism after confronting their Nazi past. They were wrong
1 year ago

Germans thought they were immune to nationalism after confronting their Nazi past. They were wrong

Associated Press  

BERLIN — When Sabine Thonke joined a recent demonstration in Berlin against Germany’s far-right party, it was the first time in years she felt hopeful that the growing power of the extremists in her country could be stopped. FILE - People gather to protest against the far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD party, and right-wing extremism in front of the …

At least 150,000 gather in Berlin to protest the far right
1 year, 1 month ago

At least 150,000 gather in Berlin to protest the far right

Associated Press  

BERLIN — At least 150,000 people gathered in front of the German national parliament Saturday afternoon to protest against the far right, the latest in a string of large weekend demonstrations across Germany. The pro-democracy demonstrations started three weeks ago after the investigative journalists’ group Correctiv published an article saying that right-wing extremists had recently met to discuss deporting millions …

At least 150,000 gather in Berlin to protest the far right
1 year, 1 month ago

At least 150,000 gather in Berlin to protest the far right

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy At least 150,000 people gathered …

The popularity of a far-right party produces counter-rallies across Germany
1 year, 1 month ago

The popularity of a far-right party produces counter-rallies across Germany

Associated Press  

BERLIN — Hundreds of thousands of people in Germany turned out for a third weekend to protest the popularity and policies of the far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD party. A rally in Hamburg took place Sunday with a theme of “For diversity and our democracy - Hamburg stands united against the AfD.” Organizers said that up to 100,000 people …

The popularity of a far-right party produces counter-rallies across Germany
1 year, 1 month ago

The popularity of a far-right party produces counter-rallies across Germany

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Hundreds of thousands of people …

Why are Germans protesting against the far-right AfD party? | Explained
1 year, 1 month ago

Why are Germans protesting against the far-right AfD party? | Explained

The Hindu  

The story so far: Hundreds of thousands of protestors have descended on German streets over the last week, with banners reading “Nazis, no thank you” and “It feels like 1933, AfD ban now.” The nationwide demonstrations unfolded in response to a media report, which said members of the far-right Alternative for Germany party allegedly participated in a meeting to discuss …

Far-right AfD leader says Brexit vote is a ‘model for Germany’
1 year, 2 months ago

Far-right AfD leader says Brexit vote is a ‘model for Germany’

The Hindu  

The co-leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany party said on Monday that the Brexit vote was an example to follow for the EU’s most populous country. “It is a model for Germany, that one can make a sovereign decision like that,” Alice Weidel said while also adding that it would address a “democratic deficit”. But if the changes sought …

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