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 silly things when they are young but this is not the real man I know.’ Barbara Becker, a state MP for the ruling CSU, says that many voters resent the system whereby refugees receive cash benefits from the German state which many send straight home. ‘Here in Bavaria, we want a system whereby people get credit for what they need.’ The present situation, she says, plays straight into the hands of the AfD. ‘People want simple answers — like those they get from the far Right,’ says Micki Mueller, a senior campaigner for the far-Left Die Linke.

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History of this topic

I married a former German politician. Here's what he thinks of that election.
3 weeks, 5 days 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
3 weeks, 6 days 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. …

Rise of far right in eastern Germany leaves multicultural Berlin trapped
Trending News
3 weeks, 6 days 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
3 weeks, 6 days 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 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 …

Germans start voting, polls suggest shift to right
1 month ago

Germans start voting, polls suggest shift to right

India Today  

Germans were voting in a national election on Sunday that is expected to restore power to Friedrich Merz's conservatives while the far-right Alternative for Germany party is forecast to achieve its best result yet in Europe's ailing economic powerhouse. That could leave unpopular Chancellor Olaf Scholz in a caretaker role for months, delaying urgently needed policies to revive Europe's largest …

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 …

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 …

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 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 …

Germany elections: Young voters are powering the rise of the far-right AfD party
1 month 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 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 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 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 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 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 says Germany should work with the far right AfD and not ignore ‘the will of the people’
Trending News
1 month, 1 week ago

JD Vance says Germany should work with the far right AfD and not ignore ‘the will of the people’

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. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal ahead …

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, 1 week 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 …

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 far-right 'firewall' under strain as migration debate flares
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Germany's far-right 'firewall' under strain as migration debate flares

Raw Story  

by Frank ZELLER An angry pre-election showdown on immigration flared in Germany's parliament Wednesday as the conservative opposition said it would accept support from lawmakers of the far-right AfD, breaching a long-standing taboo. Centre-left Chancellor Olaf Scholz told his election rival Friedrich Merz that any cooperation with the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany party would be an "unforgivable mistake". Merz, who …

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, 1 week 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 …

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 …

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 …

Far-right expecting big gains in Germany
6 months ago

Far-right expecting big gains in Germany

China Daily  

Right-wing Alternative for Germany Brandenburg top candidate Hans-Christoph Berndt, AfD party co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, Thuringia AfD party leader Bjoern Hoecke and Saxony AfD leader Joerg Urban react after first exit polls of the Brandenburg state election in Potsdam, Germany, Sept 22, 2024. People in the German state of Brandenburg voted in a regional election on Sunday that …

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 …

The ordinary Germans turning to the far-Right
6 months, 2 weeks ago

The ordinary Germans turning to the far-Right

The Telegraph  

What does a Nazi look like in 2024? A week ago, the results of local state elections in Thuringia, in the Eastern part of the country, sent shockwaves across Europe and beyond, with a far-Right party winning a German state election for the first time since the Second World War. The extreme right wing AfD party captured nearly 33 per …

German elections: The rise of populism in Germany has important lessons for Starmer
6 months, 2 weeks ago

German elections: The rise of populism in Germany has important lessons for Starmer

The Independent  

Whether they like it or not, Germans and Brits are beginning to resemble each other. The Free Democrats, the smallest coalition party, garnered less than 1 per cent of the vote in Saxony last Sunday, ending up behind the Animal Protection Party. As for the opposition Christian Democrats, the CDU, it should be streets ahead, but in its acerbic post-Merkel …

​Hollow middle: On the regional election results in Germany
6 months, 2 weeks ago

​Hollow middle: On the regional election results in Germany

The Hindu  

The regional elections in the eastern German States of Thuringia and Saxony — Brandenburg goes to the polls on September 22 — have captured attention because of the rise of the Alternative for Germany, the far-right party with neo-Nazi roots. The party, which opposed Germany’s continued military assistance for Ukraine and campaigned for better social protection for workers and tougher …

The far-right’s ‘historic’ election win is a body blow for the reunified Germany
6 months, 3 weeks ago

The far-right’s ‘historic’ election win is a body blow for the reunified Germany

The Independent  

The elections that took place on Sunday, in two regions of Germany, amounted to a massive vote of no confidence in the governing coalition in Berlin, and brought the far right within touching distance of power in parts of Germany for the first time since the Second World War. But both her anticipated success and the strength of AfD in …

'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 …

A far-right German party's win has some fearing for the future. Others worry of a return to the past
6 months, 3 weeks ago

A far-right German party's win has some fearing for the future. Others worry of a return to the past

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 Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

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 …

German far-right set for wins in key polls after attack
6 months, 3 weeks ago

German far-right set for wins in key polls after attack

The Hindu  

Voters in two former East German states go to the polls Sunday in elections expected to deal a blow to Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government and deliver big gains for the far-right Alternative for Germany. Opinion polls have the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany ahead in Thuringia and a close second in Saxony, while also predicting a strong showing for the upstart, …

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” …

Germany's grandmothers take on the far-right ahead of key state elections
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Germany's grandmothers take on the far-right ahead of key state elections

NPR  

Germany's grandmothers take on the far-right ahead of key state elections toggle caption Sascha Thelen/picture alliance/dpa/Getty Images ERFURT, Germany — Amid the throng and bustle of Saturday shoppers in the cathedral city of Erfurt, a group of women in their 70s has gathered on a medieval market square, holding signs that read Omas gegen Rechts — Grandmas against the far-right. …

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 …

Demonstrations against the far right held in Germany following a report on a deportation meeting
1 year, 2 months ago

Demonstrations against the far right held in Germany following a report on a deportation meeting

Associated Press  

BERLIN — Thousands of people gathered in Germany on Sunday for demonstrations against the far right, among them Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his foreign minister, following a report that extremists recently met to discuss the deportation of millions of immigrants, including German citizens, if they took power. Scholz and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock represent the Potsdam area in the German …

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 …

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