German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, does not like the increasingly popular Alternative for Germany, otherwise known as the Alternative for Deutschland (AfD), the populous party that has been praised by President Donald Trump for its stance against unfettered immigration.
Reuters reports Merz has vowed not to work with AfD after it surged to first place in state elections in Saxony-Anhalt in eastern Germany with 44% of the vote. The party did not win the majority, which was why they are appealing to Merz’s conservative lawmakers to support them.
While both the AfD and the CDU call for more limits and regulation regarding immigration and asylum policy, the AfD typically calls for harsher control.
Alice Weidel, co-chairwoman of AfD, said in a semi-viral video that "a country that punishes for fishing without a license, but not for crossing its borders illegally, is a country governed by idiots.”
According to The Guardian, Elon Musk has ties to the far-right party and congratulated Weidel on the win on X.
AfD party leaders are aiming to win at least 40% of the vote in the next national election slated for 2029.
Dr. Glen Duerr is chair of history and government and professor of international studies at Cedarville University. He was born and raised in the U.K.
“They're certainly growing very, very quickly, and it's worth noting that the momentum is very, very much on their side. Nationally, they are close to 30% and are the largest party, even above and beyond the Christian Democratic Union, but it's not nearly enough for a 50% majority,” Duerr says.
And Duerr says the problem is forming a coalition.
“If the CDU works with Alternative for Deutschland, then there's the potential for very real change. But failing that by itself, AfD is going to have to do more nationally. It's certainly a big breakthrough in Saxony-Anhalt, and they have been very popular in a number of other states, but there's still a lot more work to do for them,” Duerr says.
While AfD is anti-immigration, the party wants to end support of Ukraine and restore the country's relationship with Russia. The only party that appears interested in working with them is Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), which is left-wing but aligns with AfD on these matters.
Germany’s domestic intelligence service classified the AfD as a right-wing extremist, but dismisses accusations of extremism. And Germany’s mainstream parties have a “firewall” against working with the AfD.
Merz said the election results were shocking and called the current political climate a “fight for the survival of Western values.”
