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 are strongly opposed to immigration – who are sometimes supportive of Vladimir Putin, usually sceptical about the European Union and often described as “populist” – have been gaining ground across Europe for some years. In Britain, the success of the pro-EU centre-left Labour Party in last year’s election only temporarily obscured the rise of a similar anti-immigration populism in the years before the EU referendum of 2016. It does mean, however, that it is possible to defeat the politics of the AfD – as well as the sometimes similar politics of the extreme so-called left, in Germany’s case that of the pro-Russian BSW, the breakaway from Die Linke which is struggling to win the five per cent share of the vote that would guarantee seats in the Bundestag.

Europe Immigration Germany German Afd  germanys  voices  europe  mainstream  economy  german  defence  politics  parties  best  immigration  election  sign  afd  offer  party  hope

History of this topic

Wilders congratulates AfD on second place in German elections
1 month ago

Wilders congratulates AfD on second place in German elections

Dutch News  

Geert Wilders, leader of the anti-immigration PVV party, has congratulated his German counterpart Alice Weidel after the far-right AfD took second place in the weekend German elections. “Gratuliere Alice Weidel und AfD”, Wilders wrote in a brief message on social media platform X, better known as Twitter, after Weidel’s party won a projected 20.8% of the vote, doubling its share …

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 …

Wilders delighted by far-right AfD's gains in German election; Others concerned
1 month ago

Wilders delighted by far-right AfD's gains in German election; Others concerned

NL Times  

PVV leader Geert Wilders is delighted by the gains made by the radical right-wing AfD in the German elections, congratulating his kindred spirits in all caps on X. The radical right-wing AfD doubled its support and came out the second-largest party with 20.8 percent of the votes, 10.4 percent more than in the previous election. In another post, he called …

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 …

Germans head to polls amid economic uncertainty
1 month ago

Germans head to polls amid economic uncertainty

Firstpost  

EU allies are cautiously hopeful the elections might deliver a more coherent government able to help drive forward policy at home and in the bloc People walk past an election campaign poster of Friedrich Merz, Christian Democratic Union party candidate for chancellor, the day before the parliamentary election, in Potsdam, Germany. Reuters Germans were voting in a national election on …

Germans head to polls amid economic uncertainty
1 month ago

Germans head to polls amid economic uncertainty

Firstpost  

EU allies are cautiously hopeful the elections might deliver a more coherent government able to help drive forward policy at home and in the bloc People walk past an election campaign poster of Friedrich Merz, Christian Democratic Union party candidate for chancellor, the day before the parliamentary election, in Potsdam, Germany. Reuters Germans were voting in a national election on …

German elections: What are key issues on voters’ mind?
1 month ago

German elections: What are key issues on voters’ mind?

Firstpost  

After an unexpectedly short election campaign, Germany will go to the polls today. According to a survey conducted on February 12 by the news organisation Politico, the Christian Democratic Union and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union, are currently leading the polls with nearly 30 per cent of voters’ support. Scholz’s Social Democratic Party came in third place …

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 …

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 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 …

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 …

German election race heats up as leading parties push for stricter migration laws
1 month, 2 weeks ago

German election race heats up as leading parties push for stricter migration laws

The Hindu  

With less than four weeks left for the German national elections, the topic of migration has come back to the forefront following a knife attack in South Germany on January 22 that led to the death of two people, including a two-year-old boy. These flyers advertised a one-way ticket for “Illegal immigrants” from “Germany” to “safe country of origin.” AfD’s …

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 …

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 …

Holocaust survivor, 99, to return German award over far-right role in parliamentary vote
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Holocaust survivor, 99, to return German award over far-right role in parliamentary vote

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 A 99-year-old Holocaust survivor has …

Germany’s Merkel blasts CDU leader for cooperating with far-right AfD
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Germany’s Merkel blasts CDU leader for cooperating with far-right AfD

Al Jazeera  

Friedrich Merz, head of the centre-right CDU, relied on support from AfD to pass parliamentary motion on migration. Germany’s former Chancellor Angela Merkel has criticised the leader of her Christian Democratic Union party for passing a high-stakes parliamentary motion to tighten migration with the help of a far-right party. In a statement released by her office on Thursday, Merkel – …

As Germany heads to polls, is Olaf Scholz ‘firewall to AfD’ crumbling?
Trending News
1 month, 3 weeks ago

As Germany heads to polls, is Olaf Scholz ‘firewall to AfD’ crumbling?

Firstpost  

Germany’s election campaign heats up as CDU leader Friedrich Merz indicates potential cooperation with the far-right AfD to push for stricter immigration policies, challenging the political “firewall” against right-wing populists. Chancellor Scholz warns against weakening this barrier, while the AfD’s rising popularity fuels concerns over deepening polarisation and the party’s nationalist rhetoric supported by figures like Elon Musk. ‘The firewall …

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 …

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” …

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 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 …

Scholz dismisses Musk’s assertion that only a far-right party can ‘save’ Germany
3 months ago

Scholz dismisses Musk’s assertion that only a far-right party can ‘save’ Germany

Associated Press  

BERLIN — Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday dismissed an assertion by Elon Musk that only a far-right party can “save Germany,” but said that freedom of opinion “also goes for multibillionaires.” Germany is expected to vote in an early election on Feb. 23 after Scholz’s three-party governing coalition collapsed last month in a dispute over how to revitalize the country’s …

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 Scholz calls confidence vote as coalition falls apart, elections loom
3 months, 1 week ago

Germany's Scholz calls confidence vote as coalition falls apart, elections loom

Hindustan Times  

Germany's embattled Chancellor Olaf Scholz will face parliament Monday to trigger the process towards February 23 elections, in the hope that he can weather a political crisis and win a second term. The political contest comes at a time when Europe's top economy is struggling to revive its stuttering export-led industrial sector amid high energy prices and tough competition from …

Germany tightens controls at all borders
6 months, 2 weeks ago

Germany tightens controls at all borders

China Daily  

By JULIAN SHEA in London | China Daily Global | Updated: 2024-09-11 09:13 German police conduct random checks at border with Austria, soon to be introduced at all land frontiers in Kiefersfelden, Germany, Sept 10, 2024. Germany's government has announced a new six-month tightening of border checks will come in from the start of next week, in the aftermath of …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Germany’s Scholz condemns alleged plot by far-right groups to deport millions if they take power
1 year, 2 months ago

Germany’s Scholz condemns alleged plot by far-right groups to deport millions if they take power

Associated Press  

BERLIN — German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday sharply condemned alleged plans by members of far-right groups who supposedly met recently at a mansion outside Berlin to devise a plot to deport millions of immigrants, even those with German citizenship, if the groups take power. “Anyone who opposes our free democratic order” is a case for Germany’s domestic intelligence office …

Olaf Scholz and Germany's political mainstream facing a miserable 2024
1 year, 2 months ago

Olaf Scholz and Germany's political mainstream facing a miserable 2024

The Telegraph  

Germany’s mainstream political parties are facing a nightmare 2024 in which they risk being clobbered by the far-Right Alternative for Germany party in local and European elections. those who did not vote in past elections because of their general dissatisfaction with the political parties.” Germany’s decades-long struggle with the “Ost-West-Kluft” between the former Communist GDR and West Germany could also …

Wilders sounds off on social media, ahead of new coalition talks
1 year, 2 months ago

Wilders sounds off on social media, ahead of new coalition talks

Dutch News  

Dutch election winner Geert Wilders has again posted controversial comments on social media, raising further questions about his pledge to compromise on his far right policies and to be “the prime minister of every Dutch person”. In a social media post on Thursday, Wilders responded to a post by X founder Elon Musk by saying the biggest problem facing humanity …

Why Wilders won: Election boosts Dutch far right, but what happens next?
1 year, 4 months ago

Why Wilders won: Election boosts Dutch far right, but what happens next?

Al Jazeera  

Wilders’s Party for Freedom has been on a long ascent, fuelled by poverty and the fear of competition from migration. His Party for Freedom won 37 seats in the country’s 150-seat legislature, the largest single bloc, well ahead of outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s conservative People’s Party and the left-wing Labour-Green coalition. “It resulted in parties from the centre right …

Europe’s far-right populists buoyed by Wilders’ win in Netherlands, hoping the best is yet to come
1 year, 4 months ago

Europe’s far-right populists buoyed by Wilders’ win in Netherlands, hoping the best is yet to come

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — If ever the hard right in Europe needed a set of jumper cables to rev up their electoral engine again in the wake of last month’s major setback in Poland, Geert Wilders in the Netherlands provided it. “All of Europe wants a political turnaround!” said Alice Weidel, the leader of German far-right pary AfD, or Alternative for Germany, …

Geert Wilders’ far-right, anti-Islam party wins Dutch election: exit poll
1 year, 4 months ago

Geert Wilders’ far-right, anti-Islam party wins Dutch election: exit poll

The Hindu  

The far-right, anti-Islam party of firebrand politician Geert Wilders has won a stunning victory in the Dutch election, partial results showed on Wednesday, a political bombshell that will resound in Europe and around the world. But Pieter Omtzigt, whose New Social Contract party won 20 seats according to the exit poll, appeared to soften his position, saying he was “available”, …

Far-Right German party AfD closer to outright ban after further anti-Semitism claims
1 year, 4 months ago

Far-Right German party AfD closer to outright ban after further anti-Semitism claims

The Telegraph  

A regional chapter of the Alternative for Germany party has been classified as extremist by Germany’s intelligence agencies, a move that brings an outright ban on the party a step closer. Leading party figures had demonised migrants by referring to them as “invaders” and “intruders”, said Jochen Hollmann, the state’s spy chief. so that no one can say they didn’t …

Prominent German leftist to launch a new party that could eat into far-right’s support
1 year, 5 months ago

Prominent German leftist to launch a new party that could eat into far-right’s support

Associated Press  

BERLIN — A prominent German leftist politician has launched plans to form a new party that some observers think could take votes away from the far-right Alternative for Germany. She said that with the economic sanctions against Russia, “we have cut off ourselves off from cheap energy without there being viable alternatives.” She accused Scholz’s government of abandoning “the important …

Prominent German leftist to launch a new party that could eat into far-right's support
1 year, 5 months ago

Prominent German leftist to launch a new party that could eat into far-right's support

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 A prominent German leftist politician …

Germany's far-right party now polls higher than the three parties in government
1 year, 5 months ago

Germany's far-right party now polls higher than the three parties in government

NPR  

Germany's far-right party now polls higher than the three parties in government Germany's far-right AfD party now polls higher than each of the three parties now governing Germany. SCOTT SIMON, HOST: The far-right political party in Germany that is under domestic surveillance for the threat it poses to that country's democracy, now has higher poll numbers than each of the …

Why the failure to stem migration is driving even liberal Germans into the arms of the far-Right: As Bavaria goes to the polls tomorrow, ROBERT HARDMAN is dismayed to find spiralling resentment - and
1 year, 5 months ago

Why the failure to stem migration is driving even liberal Germans into the arms of the far-Right: As Bavaria goes to the polls tomorrow, ROBERT HARDMAN is dismayed to find spiralling resentment - and

Daily Mail  

There are moments on this campaign trail when I wonder if I have just spent the entire day in a beer hall. However, here in Bavaria, it is polling at around 15 per cent, well ahead of the Social Democrats who actually lead the current ‘traffic light’ coalition running the nation. Of his leader’s teenage pamphlet, he explains: ‘People do …

Germany’s opposition leader faces criticism over his comments on cooperation with the far right
1 year, 8 months ago

Germany’s opposition leader faces criticism over his comments on cooperation with the far right

Associated Press  

BERLIN — Germany’s opposition leader insisted on Monday that there will be no “cooperation” at the local level between his party and the far-right Alternative for Germany after his apparent suggestion that they might work together caused unease within his own conservative bloc. The leader of the other — Bavaria’s Christian Social Union, which faces a state election in October …

Discover Related