Following the culmination of elections in Germany, the results are out. Germany has witnessed a dramatic political transformation but it is not an unexpected one. The right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) won its highest-ever poll tally. The party won an estimated 19.5-20% of the vote, making it the second-largest party after the conservative CDU/CSU bloc, which lead with about 28.5% in the exit polls. The development has triggered widespread discussion concerning the future of Germany’s politics since right-wing philosophies keep gaining momentum across the world. AfD’s popularity is an indication of increasing public discontent with the leftist government, its immigration policies, and the current economic woes.
The growing popularity of right-wing politics in Germany is part of the larger trend not only in Europe but also all over the world, where right-wing and anti-immigration positions are gaining ground.
In Germany, AfD managed to capitalize on growing concerns regarding the economy, security, and national identity. At a time when the economy of the country is under strain and it is the second-largest donor of military aid to Ukraine after the USA, Germans are increasingly frustrated with the cost of the war. Also, increasing anti-immigration sentiment and fears of social cohesion have contributed to the increasing popularity of AfD. Liberals have failed to deliver what is exactly required for the citizens while far-right parties have understood the basic problems of them and promised to tackle it head on. Liberal are on the flights of “words”, while rights are on the “actions”, and we all know actions speak lounder than words.
AfD’s success has been strongest in eastern Germany, where economic hardship and overall distrust of mainstream politics have rendered voters more open to alternative parties. In September, the party recorded outstanding performances in three eastern states, gaining 32% in Thuringia, 30% in Saxony, and 28% in Brandenburg. These figures represent AfD’s best performance to date and show that many voters are gravitating towards nationalist and conservative ideologies. Although AfD is not included in the federal government, it has become highly influential in municipal and local governments.
Despite its rising popularity, AfD remains a polarizing force in German politics. Many mainstream politicians and parties have voiced strong opposition to its nationalist and anti-immigration stance. The party has often been compared to other right-wing populist movements worldwide, including that of former US President Donald Trump. However, AfD stands out due to its opposition to NATO, its pro-Russia stance, and its calls for the withdrawal of American forces from Germany. This has made it a key target for criticism from left-leaning political groups and Germany’s political establishment.
AfD’s route to federal power is still unclear. The centre-right CDU/CSU, under Friedrich Merz, has strongly ruled out any cooperation with AfD and dismissed any chance of a coalition. But Merz recently caused a stir by hinting at the possibility of cooperation at the local level with AfD before later backtracking on his comments.
Among the most important reasons for AfD’s increased popularity is the surge of public demand for a government with a priority for national security and identity. Recent incidents, such as Islamist protests in Hamburg demanding the introduction of Sharia law, have made the public more concerned about Germany’s social cohesion. Numerous voters view AfD as the sole party willing to stand strong against radicalization, illegal migration, and the perceived excess of liberal policies. The party’s opposition to “woke” ideologies, scepticism about climate change policies, and criticism of multiculturalism have resonated with a large section of the electorate.
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Under the leadership of Alice Weidel, AfD has attempted to present itself as a more mainstream conservative force while downplaying some of its more extreme rhetoric. Weidel, a Mandarin speaker with a background in business, offers a different image compared to the party’s traditional far-right stereotype. Her personal life—being in a same-sex relationship with a Sri Lanka-born partner—also contrasts with the party’s traditionally conservative views on family values. This strategic shift has helped AfD gain wider acceptance, particularly among voters disillusioned with Germany’s current political direction.
As Germany navigates economic challenges, international pressures, and growing social tensions, AfD’s rise signals a shift in voter preferences. While its ability to form a government remains uncertain due to the coalition-based nature of Germany’s political system, its growing vote share cannot be ignored. If mainstream parties continue to dismiss AfD’s concerns without addressing the underlying issues that drive its popularity, the party could gain even more traction in the coming years. The next few elections will be crucial in determining whether AfD remains a disruptive force or secures a more significant role in shaping Germany’s political future.
