21. February 2025

Elections in Germany: The Extreme Right's Quest to Conquer the West Elections in Germany: The Extreme Right's Quest to Conquer the West

The AfD, known as a right-wing populist and far-right party, has gained increasing influence in Germany in recent years. Its political stance is primarily characterized by an anti-immigration attitude, an emphasis on national identity, and sharp criticism of the established political class. The party has gained popularity particularly in the eastern German states, which have been affected by structural changes and economic challenges. However, now the party is extending its reach further into the western part of Germany. The AfD is using issues such as immigration, social insecurity, and rising crime rates to attract voters in industrialized regions, such as North Rhine-Westphalia. In a politically polarized climate, support for the AfD is growing, which is having an increasing impact on the country's political landscape.

Elections in Germany: The Extreme Right's Quest to Conquer the West
Elections in Germany: The Extreme Right's Quest to Conquer the West © rfi
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The AfD, originally a dominant force in eastern Germany, is now continuing its rise in western Germany as well. Particularly in North Rhine-Westphalia, one of Germany's largest federal states, the party has made significant gains in the upcoming elections. With a central issue like "immigration," the AfD is continuing its campaign strategy and calling for the "remigration" of non-integrated migrants. The party is skilled at tapping into the concerns of the population in regions like the Ruhr area, where unemployment, crime, and social insecurity are causing anxiety. While its popularity is growing, the AfD has not yet deeply established itself in major cities and university centers in western Germany. The article highlights the deep divides in German society and the political polarization driven by the AfD, as well as the reactions of citizens who are increasingly worried about the future of the country.

Prof. Volker Kronenberg2 is an Academic Director and Professor at the Institute of Political Science and Sociology at the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University Bonn, as well as the Speaker and Director of the Center for Advanced Security, Strategic, and Integration Studies (CASSIS).

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