The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is on track for its highest national election results yet, gripping the country’s political scene just weeks before the February 23 elections. Despite unlikely prospects of immediate power, the AfD has molded Germany's migration debate significantly, capitalizing on public concerns over immigration and economic anxieties.
Founded in 2013, the AfD initially opposed financial bailouts during the eurozone crisis but surged after Chancellor Angela Merkel's controversial 2015 migrant policy. Gaining seats for the first time during the 2017 national elections after winning 12.6% of the vote, the party's share faded slightly to 10.3% by 2021. Recent trends, reported by the AP, suggest the AfD's renewed strength amid the collapse of Olaf Scholz’s center-left government.
Chancellor Scholz's administration, marked by turmoil, has seen the AfD's support swell, particularly with Alice Weidel as its first candidate for chancellor. Weidel emphasizes stark stances characterized by terms like “remigration,” advocating large-scale deportations of undocumented immigrants—an approach indicative of the party’s radical shift. Previous controversies surrounded the party's ties to extremist sentiments, making its resurgence notable, as Germany's domestic intelligence has kept the AfD under surveillance due to suspected right-wing extremism.
The party reflects deepening divisions within Germany, particularly among younger voters who resonate with its grievance-fueled narrative. Political scientist Wolfgang Schroeder noted the AfD's adeptness at addressing issues with uncommon clarity, giving it unique access to voter sentiment, particularly as it attracts support across the country. Its stronghold lies predominantly among the economically challenged eastern regions, mirroring shifts seen across broader European far-right movements.
Gokay Sofuoglu, head of the Turkish Germany Society, warns against the growing influence of the AfD, pointing out the significant responsibilities carried by the Turkish community at the polls. “Germany has paid dearly for the representation of far-right and racist mentalities in parliament. It is our responsibility not to allow this to happen again,” Sofuoglu stated, urging Turkish voters to turnout and support democratic parties.
Current polling exhibits the CDU and CSU leading with around 30% support, closely chased by the AfD at 20%, followed by the SPD and Greens at 15% and 13%. The ethnic Turkish population, estimated at 3 to 5 million, comprises about 1.2 million eligible voters this election. Sofuoglu urges every Turkish citizen, saying, “The number-one election issue is immigration and refugees... we may face the danger of rights such as dual citizenship being cut back.”
Concerns escalated after several terror attacks linked to migrants, including recent incidents causing injuries at protests against migration policies. Increasing public sentiment reveals fears surrounding national security dominate discussions leading to the elections, as 68% of Germans now believe fewer refugees should be accepted.
Political tensions heightened as the AfD's success creates unease among established parties unwilling to cooperate. Even though mainstream parties aim to marginalize the AfD, their inability to confront public fears over terrorism only emboldens the party. This delicate balancing act, where public anxieties fuel both resentment and acceptance of radical views, complicates the current political climate.
Alice Weidel's aspirations as the AfD’s candidate embody these rising tensions. Following her meeting with Viktor Orbán, the Hungarian Prime Minister, who referred to her as “the future of Germany,” the AfD's international ties with likeminded figures only contribute to its momentum within German politics.
By underscoring themes of sovereignty and migration control, Weidel and the AfD position themselves at the heart of national conversations. The fear stirred by various terror incidents places the party's agenda at the forefront, drawing public attention to the broader issues of inclusivity and representation.
Public reactions to the AfD continue to evolve as tensions sharpen between immigrant communities and far-right perspectives, reflecting the divisive mood within German society. With the elections merely days away, the gravity of participatory democracy weighs heavily on millions of voters. Will they leverage their voices against the far-right’s ascendance, or allow it to reshape Germany’s identity as it seeks to navigate the contemporary socio-political minefield?