The co-government and the “traditional” parties are watching the rise of the ethno-populist AfD with concern. From neighbourhoods, municipalities and regions to central politics
The ever-increasing rise of the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) is causing serious concern in Germany. According to a poll by the Insa institute on behalf of Bild, if federal elections were held now, the AfD would emerge as the second party with a high percentage of around 21% behind the Christian Union, which emerges first with 25.5%.
In fact, it is sensational that the difference between the first and second parties is not great and also that the AfD practically doubles its percentages in relation to the federal elections of 2021. The parties of the current coalition appear in the same poll significantly weakened: the Social Democrats come third with 19%, the Greens receive 14.5%, the Liberals 6.5% and the Left around 5%.
Answers “shock” to the states
At the same time, the record percentage it takes in Thuringia, which amounts to 34% according to a poll by the MDR network, is shocking. In the same state, the first far-right regional governor from the Alternative for Germany was already elected. This is Robert Zesselman in the Sonnenberg industrial district.
At the same time, Ellatki for Germany emerged as the first party in Brandenburg, near Berlin, with almost 28%. A few days ago in Saxony, the first mayor of the AfD, Hanes Lott, was also elected in the town of Raghun-Gesnitz.
What one can observe, however, is that the Alternative for Germany is steadily and methodically increasing its percentages, starting from the local level, from the neighborhoods and streets of small towns with controversial initiatives and actions through local associations.
The reasons are many, according to the analyzes of German experts: the dissatisfaction of many citizens with government policy during the years of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine with soaring inflation and energy prices, the still large gap between the economically weak eastern states and of the West, the refugee issue but also the identification of a portion of voters with AfD’s intolerant positions on Islam, immigrants and “German national identity”.
Source :Skai
With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
