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 mainstream politics and economic stagnation thrust a German far-right party into real power for the first time since World War II? People & Power travels across Germany, visiting the AfD party convention, its heartlands in the east, and talks to refugee communities who are feeling increasingly vulnerable to a new wave of anti-immigrant sentiment.

Germany World War German  reckoning  afd  wave  german  right  power  world  war  far  germany  party

History of this topic

AfD enters Bundestag with largest far-right bloc since 1945, sparking political alarm
2 days, 17 hours ago

AfD enters Bundestag with largest far-right bloc since 1945, sparking political alarm

Firstpost  

The Alternative for Germany came second in the February 23 election, the best performance by a far-right party since World War Two, helped by years of economic underperformance and uncertainty caused by Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine Co-leader of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany party and her party's top candidate for Chancellor Alice Weidel and co-leader of the far-right Alternative …

Many Young Voters in Germany Side With Far-Left or Far-Right : State of the World from NPR : NPR
1 week, 3 days ago

Many Young Voters in Germany Side With Far-Left or Far-Right : State of the World from NPR : NPR

NPR  

Many Young Voters in Germany Side With Far-Left or Far-Right : State of the World from NPR In Germany's national elections a few weeks ago, one statistic stood out to our Berlin-based correspondent: almost half of young German voters cast their ballot for either the far-right or far-left parties. And the divide between extreme left and extreme right in young …

Germany 2025 poll results: a highly fractured verdict
2 weeks, 1 day ago

Germany 2025 poll results: a highly fractured verdict

The Hindu  

The February 23 parliamentary poll in Germany produced several outcomes, the prominent being a highly fractured verdict. No single political formation’s vote share crossed the 30% mark, though the Christian Democratic Union -Christian Social Union emerged as the single largest group with a combined vote share of 28.6%. Click to remove AMP mode The AfD, which stormed German politics in …

German Election Results 2025 Show Right-Wing Sweep Across European Politics Amid Shifting US-EU Relations
3 weeks, 6 days ago

German Election Results 2025 Show Right-Wing Sweep Across European Politics Amid Shifting US-EU Relations

The Hindu  

Published : Feb 28, 2025 19:58 IST - 7 MINS READ Susan Ram is a columnist who has spent much of her life viewing the world from different geographical locations. Towards the end of 2024, Germany’s then coalition government headed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the Social Democratic Party fell apart, prompting a vote of confidence in the Bundestag, followed …

I married a former German politician. Here's what he thinks of that election.
1 month ago

I married a former German politician. Here's what he thinks of that election.

Slate  

Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. He’s not just casually interested in German politics: He was a member of German’s federal parliament for many years, and before that the Berlin state government, and he’s been active in politics as a member of Die Linke, the …

Far-right AfD and socialist left win over young Germans, election reveals
1 month ago

Far-right AfD and socialist left win over young Germans, election reveals

Al Jazeera  

Young Germans flocked to opposite ends of the political spectrum in the federal election, rejecting the centre. Far-right surges in German election but set to be frozen out of coalition talks Young Germans leaned to the far ends of the political spectrum in Sunday’s election, with most backing Die Linke and the far-right Alternative fur Deutschland, or Alternative for Germany. …

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 …

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 …

The biggest takeaways from Germany’s election, which will bring change to the EU’s leading power
1 month ago

The biggest takeaways from Germany’s election, which will bring change to the EU’s leading power

Associated Press  

BERLIN — Germany faces its second change of leader in fewer than four years after the head of the center-right opposition, Friedrich Merz, won Sunday’s election, which saw a surge for a far-right party and a stinging defeat for outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz after first projections are announced during the election party at the Social Democratic …

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 …

AfD: Germany’s far-right may be frozen out of power, but the party is now a powerful force
1 month ago

AfD: Germany’s far-right may be frozen out of power, but the party is now a powerful force

CNN  

Berlin CNN — Germany’s political system is set up to exclude extremists. All this begs the question: can the so-called “firewall” – an unofficial agreement between Germany’s mainstream parties to band together to keep the AfD out of power – last? In a display of the party’s confidence, the leader of the AfD’s youth wing, known as the Young Alternative, …

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 …

Germany Elections: Friedrich Merz claims victory; far-right AfD surges, exit polls show
1 month ago

Germany Elections: Friedrich Merz claims victory; far-right AfD surges, exit polls show

Live Mint  

Centre-right opposition leader Friedrich Merz declared victory in Germany’s national election on Sunday after exit polls indicated his bloc was in the lead. Scholz acknowledges election defeat, congratulates Merz Germany’s incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz has admitted to a resounding defeat in the national election, calling it a “bitter result” for his center-left Social Democratic Party. Merz's conservatives lead, far-right AfD …

Exit polls show Merz’s conservatives leads in German election, far-right posts record gains since WWII
1 month ago

Exit polls show Merz’s conservatives leads in German election, far-right posts record gains since WWII

Firstpost  

Germany’s conservatives won Sunday’s elections, with their leader Friedrich Merz set to become the next chancellor, followed by the far-right AfD in second place after record gains, according to exit polls. Image- AFP Exit polls show opposition leader Friedrich Merz’s conservatives leading in Germany’s national election. The exit polls for ARD and ZDF public television show Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s center-left …

Exit polls show Merz’s conservatives leads in German election, far-right posts record gains since WWII
1 month ago

Exit polls show Merz’s conservatives leads in German election, far-right posts record gains since WWII

Firstpost  

Germany’s conservatives won Sunday’s elections, with their leader Friedrich Merz set to become the next chancellor, followed by the far-right AfD in second place after record gains, according to exit polls. Image- AFP Exit polls show opposition leader Friedrich Merz’s conservatives leading in Germany’s national election. The exit polls for ARD and ZDF public television show Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s center-left …

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 …

The worrying surge of the AfD
Trending News
1 month ago

The worrying surge of the AfD

The Hindu  

On the first day of the 61st Munich Security Conference, the U.S. Vance, lambasted European leaders, accusing them of censoring free speech and criticising German mainstream parties for their “firewall” against the far-right Alternative for Germany. In a country that was sensitive about how it frames any political conversation around migrants, refugees, and so-called ‘Others’, given its history, the AfD …

German Elections 2025: Discontented Germany votes in an election with economy, migration and far-right strength in focus
Trending News
1 month ago

German Elections 2025: Discontented Germany votes in an election with economy, migration and far-right strength in focus

The Hindu  

German voters are choosing a new government in an election on Sunday dominated by worries about the years-long stagnation of Europe's biggest economy, pressure to curb migration and growing uncertainty over the future of Ukraine and Europe's alliance with the United States. This election is taking place seven months before it was originally planned after center-left Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition …

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 …

Merz claims win for German conservatives as far right surges to strongest postwar election result
Trending News
1 month ago

Merz claims win for German conservatives as far right surges to strongest postwar election result

CNN  

Berlin CNN — Germany’s center-right Christian Democratic Union is set to return to power with the far-right Alternative for Germany as second-largest party, exit polls show, after snap elections dominated by concerns over immigration, the economy and the return of Donald Trump. Merz declared victory at the event in central Berlin, as he told supporters “Let’s get the party started,” …

Germany’s best defence against the AfD is for mainstream parties to offer hope
1 month ago

Germany’s best defence against the AfD is for mainstream parties to offer hope

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Politicians who …

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 …

Why Germany’s Gen Z is leaning towards the far-right
1 month ago

Why Germany’s Gen Z is leaning towards the far-right

Firstpost  

The far-right Alternative for Germany has seen a surge in popularity, even drawing support from tech billionaire Elon Musk. How Gen Z is driving the rise of far-right The growing trend of young voters backing the AfD is becoming increasingly evident across Germany. Ruediger Maas, head of the Institute for Generation Research, told AFP that younger voters may be less …

Why Germany’s Gen Z is leaning towards the far-right
1 month ago

Why Germany’s Gen Z is leaning towards the far-right

Firstpost  

The far-right Alternative for Germany has seen a surge in popularity, even drawing support from tech billionaire Elon Musk. How Gen Z is driving the rise of far-right The growing trend of young voters backing the AfD is becoming increasingly evident across Germany. Ruediger Maas, head of the Institute for Generation Research, told AFP that younger voters may be less …

German election live: Final poll predicts large gains for AfD days before vote
Trending News
1 month ago

German election live: Final poll predicts large gains for AfD days before vote

The Independent  

✕ Close Elon Musk says multiculturalism 'dilutes everything' at German far-right rally 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 …

German election live: Final poll predicts large gains for AfD days before vote
Trending News
1 month ago

German election live: Final poll predicts large gains for AfD days before vote

The Independent  

✕ Close Elon Musk says multiculturalism 'dilutes everything' at German far-right rally 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 …

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 …

Germany Bundestag election 2025: All most frequently asked questions answered
1 month ago

Germany Bundestag election 2025: All most frequently asked questions answered

Firstpost  

German voters will vote to choose their new Bundestag on Sunday. Here is everything you need to know about elections for the lower house of the German Parliament Germany is all set for general elections on Sunday. Source: AP Germany is all set for general elections on Sunday, triggered by the collapse of “traffic-light” coalition of social democrats, liberals and …

Here's how Germany's anti-extremist firewall eroded ahead of elections, pumped up violence
1 month ago

Here's how Germany's anti-extremist firewall eroded ahead of elections, pumped up violence

Firstpost  

For decades, Germany maintained a robust ‘firewall’ between the centre-right CDU and the far-right AfD. However, recent political developments suggest this firewall is eroding A person carries a placard as people gather on the day of a rally of Alice Weidel, co-leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany party. As federal elections loom, the convergence of mainstream political manoeuvring, rising …

Uncertainty grows among refugees and migrants as Germany heads to the polls
1 month ago

Uncertainty grows among refugees and migrants as Germany heads to the polls

Al Jazeera  

Rights groups say migrants and refugees live in an atmosphere of fear amid a far-right resurgence. “It’s a protest vote because people are frustrated,” said Ines Heider, parliamentary candidate for the Revolutionary International Organisation, an independent group promising open borders and an end to weapons for Israel. The tickets, dated February 23, said a passenger by the name of “illegal …

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

Germany elections: Young voters are powering the rise of the far-right AfD party
1 month, 1 week ago

Germany elections: Young voters are powering the rise of the far-right AfD party

CNN  

Thuringia, Germany CNN — On a wet evening in Suhl, in the former East Germany, a smattering of youthful faces were among hundreds lining up to hear from an unlikely idol - Björn Höcke, one of the most controversial figures in the far-right Alternative for Germany party. “If they… see a bit of a pop star in me, then that’s …

How social media, Elon Musk and young people are fuelling the far-right's rise in Germany as it heads to the polls
1 month, 1 week ago

How social media, Elon Musk and young people are fuelling the far-right's rise in Germany as it heads to the polls

ABC  

For some the prospect of a far-right government leading Germany is utterly frightening. There are many reasons why people are worried about the Alternative for Germany party — from its policy to send migrants back to where they came from to the fact Germany's own intelligence agency monitors thousands of its members because they're suspected to be "extremist". And that's …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Far-Right Party Heads For Its Strongest Result Yet In Germany's Election
1 month, 2 weeks 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 …

What is the ‘firewall’ against the far-right Alternative for Germany party?
1 month, 2 weeks ago

What is the ‘firewall’ against the far-right Alternative for Germany party?

Associated Press  

BERLIN — Alternative for Germany, or AfD, has established itself as a significant political force in the 12 years since it was founded, but it hasn’t yet been part of any state or national government. Other parties say they won’t work with Alternative for Germany, which is under observation by the domestic intelligence agency for suspected right-wing extremism, something that …

A far-right party is heading for its strongest result yet in Germany’s election. Here’s what to know
Trending News
1 month, 2 weeks 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 …

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 …

As Germany braces for election, backing the far-right AfD no longer a taboo
1 month, 3 weeks ago

As Germany braces for election, backing the far-right AfD no longer a taboo

Al Jazeera  

The hardline party has ‘an increasing influence on public opinion’, say analysts, as voters prioritise migration as a key issue. But now, people’s views may change and the party could attract more voters.” Further adding to the AfD’s perceived strength, tech billionaire Elon Musk – recently appointed by United States President Donald Trump to lead his administration’s Department of Government …

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 …

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