The Far Right Had Its Biggest Electoral Win In Germany Since The Nazis. What Now?

Live updates

1. 11d ago

   Germany's Far-Right AfD Secures Biggest Electoral Win Since WWII

   The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party achieved its biggest electoral victory since World War II in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, advancing to the cusp of genuine power. This win has triggered widespread protests and anxiety among minority groups, particularly Turkish residents. The AfD's success is attributed to its anti-systemic diagnosis of the German state and messaging mirroring Vladimir Putin. This development has significant implications for Germany's continued military and financial aid to Ukraine and its relations with Russia.

   Why it matters

   The AfD's rise has caused alarm across Europe, with widespread protests erupting across Germany. The party's anti-immigrant and Russia-friendly stance has positioned it as a central figure in the legislative landscape. This electoral win brings the AfD closer to regional power than any far-right party since WWII.

   What is confirmed

   • The AfD won its second first-place result in state elections this year, bringing the party closer to regional power than any far-right party since WWII.
   • The AfD's electoral success has triggered widespread protests across Germany and anxiety among minority groups, specifically Turkish residents in Saxony-Anhalt.
   • The MAGA movement has celebrated the AfD's landslide victory in Saxony-Anhalt, highlighting growing links between Trump's political movement and Germany's far right.
   • The AfD's rise is causing widespread alarm, including in unexpected quarters - other far-right European parties.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The AfD's success is attributed to its anti-systemic diagnosis of the German state and messaging mirroring Vladimir Putin.

   What to watch next

   • Germany's continued military and financial aid to Ukraine
   • The AfD's potential to gain governing power in a German state
   • The impact of the AfD's rise on European politics and relations with Russia
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. time.com — German Far-Right Expands Gains in ‘Disaster’ State Elections for Chancellor Merz
   2. www.wionews.com — MAGA rejoices as far-right AfD wins in Germany for ... - WION
   3. cde.news — Germany’s far-right AfD scores its biggest win with Saxony ...
   4. www.cnn.com — Germany’s AfD is so extreme it’s putting off other far-right ...
   5. www.thelocal.com — Where are the breakthroughs for the radical and far-right in ...
   6. germanytimes.com — Alice Weidel: Co-Leader of Germany's Far-Right AfD Surges in ...
   7. www.nationalheadlines.co.uk — AfD Saxony-Anhalt election win puts far-right on brink of ...
   confidence 85%
2. 26d ago

   AfD achieves largest electoral win in Germany since Nazi era

   The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has secured its biggest electoral victory since the Nazi period, signaling a significant political shift in Germany and causing alarm across Europe. The party is gaining ground using messaging that mirrors Vladimir Putin and an anti-systemic diagnosis of the German state. This surge has triggered widespread protests across the country and created anxiety among minority groups, specifically Turkish residents in Saxony-Anhalt, while putting pressure on Germany's continued military and financial aid to Ukraine.

   Why it matters

   The AfD's rise reflects a systemic crisis and a perceived failure of the state to address contemporary issues. This shift is particularly pronounced in eastern Germany, where the party's influence is growing despite a long-standing political firewall intended to isolate far-right elements.

   What is confirmed

   • The AfD has achieved its most significant electoral win in Germany since the Nazi era.
   • Tens of thousands of people have marched across Germany to protest the AfD.
   • The AfD is exerting pressure on German aid to Ukraine.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The party's new state MPs include a former Stasi officer.

   What to watch next

   • Legislative actions by new AfD state MPs regarding Ukraine aid
   • Response from European Union leadership to the German electoral shift
   • Further protest mobilizations against the AfD
   Sources used for this update (20)

   1. PBS — Far-right AfD win signals shift in Germany, raises alarm in Europe
   2. The New York Times — With Messaging That Mirrors Putin’s, Germany’s Far-Right Party Gains Ground
   3. The Guardian — AfD’s new state MPs include ex-Stasi officer, former porn actor, neopagans and neo-Nazis
   4. Adam Tooze | Substack — Chartbook 474: The state is the problem - the AfD’s anti-systemic diagnosis of contemporary Germany.
   5. dw.com — Turks in Germany anxious after AfD wins in Saxony-Anhalt
   6. The American Prospect — Germany’s Far Right, China, and Trump
   7. Financial Times — Germany’s nostalgia problem
   8. Star Tribune — Rash: German election reflects the far-right’s rise in Europe
   9. aljazeera.com — Tens of thousands march across Germany to protest far-right party AfD
   10. time.com — The AfD's Dark Agenda for Germany
   11. The New Yorker — How to Protect Democracy
   12. Bloomberg.com — Merz Vows to Stand by Ukraine Despite Opposition From Far Right
   confidence 80%