The Alternative for Germany (AfD), known for its far-right stance, is witnessing unprecedented electoral support as Germany heads toward its national parliamentary elections scheduled for February 25, 2025. The party, which has historically been sidelined due to its extremist views, has grown more popular amid rising discontent with mainstream political options, particularly concerning immigration and social issues.
Alice Weidel, co-leader of the AfD and its chancellor candidate, is at the forefront of this shift. A 46-year-old former investment banker, Weidel presents an atypical image for the party. With her background—raising two sons with her Sri Lankan-born partner and possessing fluency in English and Mandarin—she contrasts starkly with the party's traditional profile, which has typically attracted older, male supporters. Analysts suggest Weidel’s charm and professionalism help grant the AfD a veneer of respectability, making it potentially palatable to the middle class, as noted by political scientist Oliver Lembcke.
Although the AfD's popularity is on the rise, it has not come without controversy. The party’s young activists are reshaping its identity, introducing a digital-scale movement leveraging social media to amplify its provocative messages. For example, 23-year-old Michelle Gollan, with her YouTube channel “eingollan,” utilizes confrontational tactics to engage voters and garner attention. This strategy aims to draw out opponents, interact with them, and project their anti-establishment sentiments to wider audiences. Such tactics have sparked responses from counter-protests, attracting thousands of demonstrators nationwide.
The involvement of young members has brought fresh energy to the AfD, recruiting activists who revel in extremism and have little regard for the backlash from mainstream journalists and political opponents. 28-year-old Marie-Thérèse Kaiser, who once disassociated from side events due to past controversies, now campaigns vigorously for the AfD, which she describes as embodying modern ideals, yet embraces the provocative elements of its past. She notes how when she initially attended AfD events, attendees were predominantly retirees, highlighting demographic changes within the party.
Weidel has also made headlines for her contentious remarks on immigration. During past parliamentary sessions, she has claimed, "Burqas, girls in headscarves, knife-wielding men on government benefits... are not going to assure our prosperity." She channels public frustration stemming from Germany's immigration policies, especially the large influx of migrants since the 2015 refugee crisis, and corresponds with sentiments favoring strict immigration regulations.
The 2025 elections bear significant weight, with the AfD poised to secure possibly 21% of the vote according to recent polls. Stringent immigration measures presented by mainstream parties, combined with rising electoral tensions, have prompted the conservative faction—historically opposed to the AfD—to look at the far-right party with more leniency. An indicative moment came when Friedrich Merz, the possible next chancellor and head of the Christian Democratic Union, broke with longstanding tradition by collaborating on immigration legislation with the AfD, triggering public outcry from political leaders, including former Chancellor Angela Merkel.
While leading the party, Weidel has crafted her political identity as one appealing to both existing party members and mainstream voters. Political analysts have noted her ability to navigate between maintaining the party's core ideals and softening its public persona. With her upcoming challenge of leading the party during these pivotal elections, she has embraced the notion of breaking barriers entrenched by previous administrations and possibly advancing the AfD’s political strategy toward mainstream acceptance.
The influence of international figures has also left its mark on the AfD. High-profile endorsements from Elon Musk and U.S. Vice President JD Vance have drawn attention toward the party. Following his meeting with Weidel, Vance criticized Germany’s historical “firewall” against the far-right, underscoring growing ideological synergies across the Atlantic. "Only the AfD can save Germany," Musk stated publicly, inciting considerable backlash from German political circles concerned about the potential ramifications of foreign interference.
Public disdain for the AfD remains significant, with around 80% of Germans expressing negative views against the party. Numerous protests featuring hundreds of thousands of Germans opposing the AfD reflect the potentially volatile socio-political atmosphere during the pre-election period. The growing tensions raise questions about German society's response to far-right ideologies and whether the fabric of democratic principles can withstand such shifts.
With the AfD likely to achieve significant electoral gains, the party’s narrative continues to evolve. From traditionally-marked extremist beliefs, the involvement of young activists has transitioned the AfD to appeal to new demographics, thereby reshaping its presence on Germany's political stage. Political analysts speculate whether this electoral success will translate to political power or if it is merely another momentary rise within the complex dynamics of German governance.
Germany stands at the brink of political transformation, and as the AfD positions itself to play a significant role, future discussions surrounding its ideology and practices will be pivotal. The rise of the AfD raises questions not only about Germany's political future but its societal values, once again igniting debates over nationalism, integration, and what it means to be German.