The rise of the far right in Germany: Understanding the AfD's surge

Alice Weidel, a name that has become increasingly prominent in both media and political circles, has drawn significant attention following her interview with Elon Musk, owner of X (formerly Twitter), and the growing support for her far-right party, the Alternative for Germany (AfD). The AfD, founded in 2013 and co-led by Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, has seen unprecedented backing across various age groups in Germany. As the country grapples with deepening political polarization, the 2025 federal elections have raised critical questions about the reasons behind the far-right's rise, the concerns it poses, and how this challenge might be addressed.

The AfD is a controversial party, often accused of extremism. It has been linked to antisemitic, anti-Muslim, and anti-democratic rhetoric, with Björn Höcke, the AfD leader in Thuringia, even using Nazi slogans. The party’s platform includes plans to “remigrate” immigrants—a euphemism for mass deportation—as well as proposals to abandon the Paris climate agreement, exit the Eurozone, and establish a new confederation of European states. Such policies have drawn sharp criticism, yet the party continues to gain traction, particularly in eastern Germany, where historical grievances and economic disparities fuel its popularity.

The East-West divide remains a significant factor in the AfD’s rise. Despite 35 years of reunification, eastern Germany still lags behind the west in terms of wages and economic opportunities. This sense of alienation, coupled with dissatisfaction over migration policies, economic stagnation, and the government’s handling of the war in Ukraine, has driven many voters toward the AfD. The party’s appeal is particularly strong in rural areas, where residents feel neglected by mainstream political parties.

Interestingly, the AfD has also gained significant support among younger voters. It is now the most popular party among young men and the second most popular among all 18- to 24-year-olds, trailing only Die Linke (The Left). Social media has played a crucial role in this shift. With over 568,000 followers on TikTok, the AfD has effectively leveraged platforms that cater to younger audiences. However, the algorithmic nature of social media often creates “bubbles”, reinforcing existing beliefs and further polarizing society.

The AfD’s growing influence has also impacted mainstream politics. While the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the leading party, has vowed not to cooperate with the AfD, it recently supported a tightened migration policy in the Bundestag that aligned with the AfD’s stance. CDU leader Friedrich Merz faced sharp criticism for relying on AfD votes, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz among those condemning the move. This raises concerns about the potential normalization of far-right policies, even if direct collaboration is officially rejected.

The AfD’s classification as a “Verdachtsfall” (suspect case) by the Cologne Administrative Court due to its anti-constitutional activities underscores the party’s threat to democratic principles. Yet, it now holds 152 seats in the German parliament, making it the second-largest party. This is a troubling development for a nation that prides itself on its commitment to democracy and unity.

Voter turnout in the 2025 elections reached 82.5%, the highest since the 1980s. However, the quality of voter information remains a concern. The Tagesschau reported that many citizens rely on social media, YouTube videos, or short blog posts for political insights, which often lack depth and nuance. While these sources can provide a basic understanding of a party’s platform, they are no substitute for thorough engagement with news and official election programs.

To address this, there should be a greater emphasis on political education in schools. Teenagers should be introduced to political ideas in a neutral yet informative manner, and discussions about election programs could be integrated into the final years of high school. Encouraging critical thinking and media literacy from a young age could help counteract the spread of misinformation and reduce polarization.

In conclusion, the AfD’s rise in Germany is a complex phenomenon rooted in historical, economic, and social factors. Its growing influence, both domestically and internationally—evidenced by endorsements from figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump—poses significant challenges for Germany’s political landscape. As the country navigates this new reality, fostering informed civic engagement and addressing the underlying causes of discontent will be crucial in safeguarding democracy and unity. The 2025 election results may have been predicted, but their implications are far from settled.