The far-right is rising at a crucial time in Germany, boosted by Elon Musk
1 month, 3 weeks ago

The far-right is rising at a crucial time in Germany, boosted by Elon Musk

New Indian Express  

With only a few weeks until Germany’s election, Elon Musk has unambiguously thrown his support behind the far-right Alternative for Germany party. Troublingly, the AfD is now firmly entrenched as Germany’s second-most popular political party, behind the centre-right Christian Democratic Union. But the AfD’s anti-migrant, anti-government sloganeering has already seriously distorted Germany’s public debate and democratic culture, leaving many to ask whether it even needs to win elections to see its policies implemented. First, in a radical break with Germany’s political norms, opposition leader Friedrich Merz deliberately drew on the votes of the AfD on Wednesday to ram a radical anti-asylum seeker motion through the parliament. Merz’s courting of the far right is widely seen as politically unnecessary, given his conservative CDU is already leading the national polls, making him the favourite to succeed the Social Democratic Party ‘s Olaf Scholz as chancellor.

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History of this topic

Rise of far right in eastern Germany leaves multicultural Berlin trapped
Trending News
1 month ago

Rise of far right in eastern Germany leaves multicultural Berlin trapped

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. Alternative for Germany, a far-right party that has called …

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 …

German elections: Merz on course to be next chancellor and far right set to surge
Trending News
55 years, 2 months ago

German elections: Merz on course to be next chancellor and far right set to surge

CNN  

Alice Weidel, left, and Tino Chrupalla, co-leaders of the far-right Alternative for Germany, stand on stage during a party congress in Riesa, Germany, on January 11. They finished second overall in the EU vote, and regionally, in their heartland areas of East Germany, the state of Thuringia became the first German region to elect a far-right party since the Nazi …

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 …

Who are the outsiders in Germany’s Bundestag elections that may decide the vote outcome?
1 month ago

Who are the outsiders in Germany’s Bundestag elections that may decide the vote outcome?

Firstpost  

From Elon Musk to Zelenskyy, here’s a look at foreign actors who had a strong influence on the German political landscape as the country heads to the polls Election posters showing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, right, and CDU top candidate for chancellor Friedrich Merz in Frankfurt, Germany, Feb. 8, 2025. At the final election debate, Germany’s four leading chancellor candidates …

Who are the outsiders in Germany’s Bundestag elections that may decide the vote outcome?
1 month ago

Who are the outsiders in Germany’s Bundestag elections that may decide the vote outcome?

Firstpost  

From Elon Musk to Zelenskyy, here’s a look at foreign actors who had a strong influence on the German political landscape as the country heads to the polls Germans go to poll on Sunday as they are all set to decide which way the country will be heading after the. The following day, German news outlets described Vance’s remarks as …

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 …

German election: Conservatives eye victory as far-right AfD gains ground in polarised contest
1 month ago

German election: Conservatives eye victory as far-right AfD gains ground in polarised contest

Firstpost  

Sunday’s vote comes at a time of upheaval for Europe and its biggest economy as US President Donald Trump has ended a united Western stance on the Ukraine conflict by reaching out to Russia. Merz vows ‘strong voice’ for Germany in EU Germany’s conservative election frontrunner Friedrich Merz promised Saturday in his last rally before Sunday’s elections that if he …

German election: Conservatives eye victory as far-right AfD gains ground in polarised contest
1 month ago

German election: Conservatives eye victory as far-right AfD gains ground in polarised contest

Firstpost  

Sunday’s vote comes at a time of upheaval for Europe and its biggest economy as US President Donald Trump has ended a united Western stance on the Ukraine conflict by reaching out to Russia. Merz vows ‘strong voice’ for Germany in EU Germany’s conservative election frontrunner Friedrich Merz promised Saturday in his last rally before Sunday’s elections that if he …

Amid right-wing AfD’s rise, Germany’s Left too rises from the ashes on youth resurgence: Polls
1 month ago

Amid right-wing AfD’s rise, Germany’s Left too rises from the ashes on youth resurgence: Polls

Firstpost  

Amid the rise of far-right AfD, a substantial number of Germans have started backing Germany’s far-left Die Linke party ― or The Left. The Left party leader Heidi Reichinnek, a firebrand and popular face among youth, is being credited for the last-minute growth erman The Left party member Heidi Reichinnek speaks during the last planned session of German lower house …

Amid right-wing AfD’s rise, Germany’s Left too rises from the ashes on youth resurgence: Polls
1 month ago

Amid right-wing AfD’s rise, Germany’s Left too rises from the ashes on youth resurgence: Polls

Firstpost  

Amid the rise of far-right AfD, a substantial number of Germans have started backing Germany’s far-left Die Linke party ― or The Left. The Left party leader Heidi Reichinnek, a firebrand and popular face among youth, is being credited for the last-minute growth erman The Left party member Heidi Reichinnek speaks during the last planned session of German lower house …

Far right set to make strides in a German election dominated by immigration
1 month, 1 week ago

Far right set to make strides in a German election dominated by immigration

Al Jazeera  

Germans would be hard-pressed to find a time when their political landscape was as fragmented as it is days ahead of Sunday’s federal election. “People are saying, it’s kind of the last chance for liberal democratic parties, and they are saying, make sure the next government is a functional government that produces results,” German retired diplomat Christian Schlaga told Al …

Elections in Germany: What rise of right means for Europe’s largest economy
1 month, 1 week ago

Elections in Germany: What rise of right means for Europe’s largest economy

Firstpost  

The choices made in the coming weeks will have far-reaching implications for Germany and its ability to navigate the uncertain geopolitical and economic challenges ahead Germany is heading into an early election on February 23, 2025, at a critical moment for both its economic and political future. The SPD’s dwindling influence reflects broader shifts in German politics, as voters become …

Elections in Germany: What rise of right means for Europe’s largest economy
1 month, 1 week ago

Elections in Germany: What rise of right means for Europe’s largest economy

Firstpost  

The choices made in the coming weeks will have far-reaching implications for Germany and its ability to navigate the uncertain geopolitical and economic challenges ahead The AfD’s growing influence reflects broader shifts in German politics. While Weidel’s personal popularity does not align with her party’s, the AfD’s growing influence reflects broader shifts in German politics. The SPD’s dwindling influence reflects …

Far-Right Party Heads For Its Strongest Result Yet In Germany's Election
1 month, 1 week ago

Far-Right Party Heads For Its Strongest Result Yet In Germany's Election

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING BERLIN — Alternative for Germany appears to be heading for its strongest national election result yet this month and is fielding its first candidate to lead the country. The far-right party first entered Germany’s national parliament eight years ago on the back of discontent with the arrival of large numbers of migrants in the mid-2010s, and curbing …

A far-right party is heading for its strongest result yet in Germany’s election. Here’s what to know
Trending News
1 month, 1 week ago

A far-right party is heading for its strongest result yet in Germany’s election. Here’s what to know

Associated Press  

BERLIN — Alternative for Germany appears to be heading for its strongest national election result yet this month and is fielding its first candidate to lead the country. The far-right party first entered Germany’s national parliament eight years ago on the back of discontent with the arrival of large numbers of migrants in the mid-2010s, and curbing migration remains its …

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 …

How Elon Musk is boosting far-right’s influence in Germany ahead of crucial elections
Trending News
1 month, 3 weeks ago

How Elon Musk is boosting far-right’s influence in Germany ahead of crucial elections

Firstpost  

With just weeks remaining before Germany’s election, Elon Musk has openly endorsed the far-right Alternative for Germany party. While Musk is not the primary driver of the AfD’s rise, his backing has elevated the party’s global visibility and given it credibility in circles that might not have previously considered supporting the movement Elon Musk during a live video link, as …

‘Utterly terrifying’ poll reveals Elon Musk effect pushing far-right AfD closer to power in Germany
1 month, 3 weeks ago

‘Utterly terrifying’ poll reveals Elon Musk effect pushing far-right AfD closer to power 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. The findings show billionaire X social media platform owner …

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 …

Fierce debate erupts in Germany over cooperating with extreme elements in politics
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Fierce debate erupts in Germany over cooperating with extreme elements in politics

NPR  

Fierce debate erupts in Germany over cooperating with extreme elements in politics Germany's likely next chancellor is being criticized for relying on support from far-right lawmakers to pass a bill to reduce migration into the country. SCHMITZ: Well, none of the mainstream parties were interested in voting with Merz's party on this proposal, but there was one party that was …

Germany’s leader says Musk’s support for European far-right is ‘completely unacceptable’
2 months, 1 week ago

Germany’s leader says Musk’s support for European far-right is ‘completely unacceptable’

Associated Press  

BERLIN — German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Friday that Elon Musk’s support for the far-right in Europe is “completely unacceptable,” adding to his previous criticism of Musk’s interventions in the German election campaign. Musk has said over the past month that only the far-right party Alternative for Germany, or AfD, can “save Germany.” Last week, the tech billionaire livestreamed on …

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 …

German leader is more worried about Musk’s backing of a far-right party than his insults
2 months, 3 weeks ago

German leader is more worried about Musk’s backing of a far-right party than his insults

The Hindu  

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says he's staying “cool” against critical personal comments made by Elon Musk but finds it worrying that the U.S. billionaire makes the effort to get involved in a general election by endorsing the far-right Alternative for Germany party. Scholz was reacting after Musk, a close ally to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, called the chancellor a “fool” …

Musk’s support for the far right in Germany is part of a bigger plan that threatens eight decades of progress
Trending News
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Musk’s support for the far right in Germany is part of a bigger plan that threatens eight decades of progress

The Independent  

As Germans headed into a year gripped by foreboding, I was reminded of an episode a decade ago that struck me then as absurd, and that now makes me marvel at its prescience. “The Alternative for Germany is the last spark of hope for this country,” Musk wrote in his translated commentary. Musk’s commentary quickly led to the resignation of …

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 …

Germany accuses Musk of election meddling over AfD support: What we know
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Germany accuses Musk of election meddling over AfD support: What we know

Al Jazeera  

Elon Musk praised far-right party Alternative for Germany and its leader Alice Weidel in an opinion piece for German newspaper Welt am Sonntag. Germany’s government accused US billionaire Elon Musk on Monday of interfering in its upcoming February election after he threw his support behind the far-right party, Alternative for Germany in X posts and an opinion piece published by …

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 …

German government seeks to downplay Musk’s backing of far-right party ahead of general election
Top News
2 months, 3 weeks ago

German government seeks to downplay Musk’s backing of far-right party ahead of general election

LA Times  

Elon Musk speaks at a Donald Trump campaign rally at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 27 in New York. The German government on Monday sought to downplay efforts by tech entrepreneur Elon Musk to get involved in the country’s general election campaign by again endorsing the far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD, party. She did, however, say that “it is …

Elon Musk backs German right wing outfit, Germany's leaders call it 'intrusive'
Top News
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Elon Musk backs German right wing outfit, Germany's leaders call it 'intrusive'

Hindustan Times  

U.S. billionaire Elon Musk drew criticism from German politicians from the government and opposition on Sunday for an opinion piece he wrote backing the right-wing Alternative for Germany which they deemed "intrusive" outside influence. Elon Musk wrote an opinion piece backing the right-wing Alternative for Germany party The support of the AfD from Musk, who is set to serve U.S. …

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 …

'Big deal': Elon Musk raises alarms by endorsing what's known as 'German neo-Nazi party'
3 months ago

'Big deal': Elon Musk raises alarms by endorsing what's known as 'German neo-Nazi party'

Raw Story  

Elon Musk raised alarm by endorsing Germany's far-right Alternative für Deutschland, which has called for the nation to leave the European Union. The tech billionaire and Donald Trump adviser commented on an X post by far-right influencer Naomi Seibt, who had criticized German politician Friedrich Merz, saying the potential next chancellor was "horrified by the idea that Germany should follow …

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 …

Elon Musk throws his support behind Germany's extremist far-right
3 months ago

Elon Musk throws his support behind Germany's extremist far-right

Salon  

Elon Musk, the billionaire whose support for Donald Trump has given him the president-elect's ear, is throwing his support behind Alternative for Germany, a far-right party that critics describe as xenophobic, extremist and perhaps even a successor to the Nazi Party. The conservative Christian Democratic Union, helmed by Friedrich Merz, currently leads in the polls, with nearly double the support …

Elon Musk endorses far-right German political party, wading deeper into global politics
3 months ago

Elon Musk endorses far-right German political party, wading deeper into global politics

CNN  

New York CNN — Elon Musk is wading into more than just American politics, throwing his support behind a far-right German political party. On Friday, Musk continued posting about the AfD, writing in response to a user’s post about the party’s immigration policy that it “sounds reasonable.” Musk began following AfD leader Alice Weidel on X who responded to his …

What's behind the rise of the far right in Germany?
4 months, 1 week ago

What's behind the rise of the far right in Germany?

ABC  

It's been a big year for Germany's far-right party, the Alternative for Germany party or AfD. "Basically what became West Germany in the future was always an integral part of Western Europe … whereas, until the year 1200, Berlin was just a Slavic fishing village with no Germans in it," he tells ABC Radio National's Rear Vision. "Things like the …

Can a single election in eastern Germany put a stop to Europe’s far-right surge?
6 months ago

Can a single election in eastern Germany put a stop to Europe’s far-right surge?

The Independent  

Voters in the German state of Brandenburg go to the polls this weekend, in the last of a trio of regional elections in the former East Germany that are seen as a gauge of the political climate – not just in these states, not just in Germany, but across Europe. While there are specific aspects of the history, geography and …

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 …

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” …

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 …

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 …

What’s behind mass protests against Germany’s far-right AfD party?
1 year, 2 months ago

What’s behind mass protests against Germany’s far-right AfD party?

Al Jazeera  

‘Nazis, no thank you’ and ‘It feels like 1933, AfD ban now!’ read some of the banners at protests across the country. Protests against the far-right Alternative for Germany party are gaining momentum in the European Union nation in the wake of a report that two senior party members joined a November meeting in Berlin, where planned mass deportation of …

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