The Alternative for Germany (AFD) has achieved a historic victory, marking the greatest success of the extreme right since the end of World War II and the foundation of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1949. As the second force in the new Bundestag, the right-wing populists have doubled their size and number of votes compared to the federal elections of 2021. This significant gain has sparked euphoria within the party, with leader Alice Weidel expressing her desire to participate in the government, although this seems unlikely given the winner of the elections, Friedrich Merz, has ruled out a coalition with the ultras.
Weidel, the first woman to be designated as a candidate by the AFD in its 12-year history, has managed to open the party to citizens and the political sphere. Her focus on asylum and migration, particularly in the wake of attacks in Magdeburg, Aschaffenburg, and Munich, has resonated with voters. The issue of migration became a central theme in the electoral campaign, with the party’s stance on the matter being a key factor in their success. Additionally, Weidel has established connections with international right-wing populists, such as Viktor Orban, Herbert Kickl, and Geert Wilders, and has even engaged in a virtual talk with Elon Musk on his X platform, increasing her visibility beyond Germany.
The electoral campaign, however, did not see a moderate AFD; instead, the party embraced a more radical approach. Weidel expressed support for the term “remigration,” which refers to the massive deportation of people of immigrant origin, and used the slogan “Alice Für Deutschland” during the campaign, which bears a striking resemblance to the Nazi-era motto “Alles Für Deutschland.” Despite this, the party’s strategy has proven successful, with Weidel’s candidacy helping to attract more supporters. A survey by the public chain ARD shows that 24% of Germans are satisfied with her work as a politician, a significant increase from 2021 and on par with Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s approval rating.
Weidel’s personal life, including her relationship with a woman from Sri Lanka and their two children, has also contributed to the party’s attempt to rebrand itself as more tolerant. By presenting a more diverse and relatable figure, the AFD aims to distract from its controversial stance on issues like xenophobia and homophobia. Weidel has stated that she joined the AFD not because of her homosexuality but due to her political beliefs, and the party has managed to capitalize on controversial issues like the coronavirus, war, wind energy, and gender to gain support.
The AFD’s origins date back to 2013, when it was formed to reject financial rescue plans for countries in southern Europe during the euro crisis. Since then, the party has evolved to focus on issues like migration and asylum, which have proven to be key drivers of their success. As the party looks to the future, it remains to be seen whether they will continue to embrace a radical approach or attempt to moderate their stance to appeal to a broader audience. One thing is certain, however: the AFD’s historic victory marks a significant shift in Germany’s political landscape, and their influence will likely be felt for years to come.