Alice Weidel, from Germany’s far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD), stated in her statement on October 8, 2023 that “AfD is no longer specific to East Germany, they are a large party that appeals to all of Germany.” [1] AfD, founded ten years ago, is very strong in eastern Germany. The party hopes to emerge as the strongest party for the first time in three state elections in this region in about a year.[2]
The state elections on October 8, 2023 came to the agenda in the middle of the term of office of the Government of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. These elections took place at a time of constant infighting in the national government and increasing pressure to reduce the number of immigrants coming to the country.
The Unity Bloc, Germany’s main opposition force, has already won the elections in two states where it is the leader. On the other hand, the AfD emerged as one of the biggest winners of the day, taking second place in Hesse with 18.4% of the votes. This is the first time that has happened in a western state vote. In Bavaria, it ranked third with 14.6% of the votes. [3]
The AfD was founded in 2013, initially out of criticism of the eurozone. The party gained power following a large influx of immigrants and refugees in 2015, and then entered Germany’s national parliament for the first time in 2017.
The rise of the AfD demonstrates a significant change in the German political conjuncture. Since its founding, the AfD has gained increasing support in both East Germany and West Germany. This situation reveals that the party is no longer a movement specific to East Germany, but has become a serious political force throughout Germany.
The increase in AfD’s popularity along with its voting rates is parallel to important social and political events in Germany, such as the immigrant crisis and the refugee influx. There was a significant increase in the popularity of the AfD, especially after the large number of refugees coming to Germany in 2015. Its anti-immigrant policies and emphasis on patriotism have expanded the AfD’s voter base and strengthened its position against traditional parties.
It would not be right to attribute the rise of AfD only to immigration policies. This situation is also related to dissatisfaction with the German political system and distrust of the government.
These changes in German politics also highlight the challenges that traditional political parties must address. Existing political parties are reviewing their policies and seeking solutions through dialogue in order to respond more effectively to the public’s concerns and demands.
As a result, the rise of the AfD in the German political landscape emerged as a reaction to society’s changing expectations and dissatisfaction on sensitive issues. This situation can be read as an indicator of the change in the dynamics of German politics. On the other hand, this development is an important factor that should be taken into account in order to understand the political developments that will occur in Germany.
[1] “German Far-Right Leader Says Gains in State Elections Show Her Party has ‘Arrived’”, Associated Press News,https://apnews.com/article/germany-far-right-afd-state-elections-8814bb775addc9e279979028bbcad772, (Erişim Tarihi: 11.10.2023).
[2] Same page.
[3] Aynı yer.
