Alternative for Germany gains momentum ahead of national election

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is poised for its strongest national election result yet, fielding its first-ever candidate for Chancellor, Alice Weidel.

Although the far-right party is unlikely to secure power in the near future, its influence in shaping Germany's political discourse, particularly on migration, cannot be ignored, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

Founded in 2013, AfD initially focused on opposing bailouts for countries during the eurozone debt crisis. It soon gained traction through discontent with Germany’s migration policies, particularly after Chancellor Angela Merkel’s decision to allow large numbers of migrants in 2015. This moment propelled the party into the political spotlight. In the 2017 national election, AfD secured 12.6 per cent of the vote and gained seats in the German parliament for the first time.

Despite a slight reduction in support in 2021 (10.3%), AfD has gained renewed strength as Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government faced multiple crises, including internal bickering and the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. A year ago, the party faced scrutiny over its connections to right-wing extremist groups, but this has not significantly harmed its poll numbers. AfD recently finished second in the European Parliament elections and secured a historic far-right win in a state election.

Now, with Weidel as the candidate for Chancellor, AfD is embracing radical language and pushing for significant changes, including large-scale deportations, the lifting of sanctions on Russia, and a shift away from the European Union's current structure. AfD also opposes military support for Ukraine and has called for the return of a national currency.

AfD's strength lies in its appeal across Germany, especially in the less prosperous east. Political science professor Wolfgang Schroeder notes the party’s ability to address issues "with this clarity, with this intensity, with this radicalism and this emotionality," resonating particularly with younger voters. The party also benefits from its adept use of social media to engage supporters.

AfD is under surveillance by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency for suspected right-wing extremism, but it firmly rejects any association with the Nazi past. The party has strong international ties with other far-right groups, including Austria’s Freedom Party and France’s National Rally.

By Vafa Guliyeva