German Elections 2025: Far-Right AfD Makes Historic Gains, Merz to Become Chancellor

Image credits: Agence France-Presse

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has achieved a historic result in the country's national elections, scoring 19.5-20 percent of the vote according to exit polls. This makes the AfD the second strongest party after the conservative CDU/CSU alliance, led by Friedrich Merz, who is set to become the new chancellor. The AfD's top candidate, Alice Weidel, has stated that the party is now "firmly anchored" in the political landscape and has "never been so strong on a national level". Weidel has also made overtures to the CDU/CSU to work together in government, an idea that Merz has vehemently rejected.

The AfD's ultra-conservative platform has been a subject of controversy, with the party's attempts to whitewash Germany's Nazi and Holocaust history prompting state security services to put the party under observation. The party has also been criticized for its anti-immigration and anti-Islam stance, as well as its climate change denial and pro-Moscow views on the Ukraine war. Despite this, the AfD has managed to attract a significant number of voters, particularly in eastern Germany, where nostalgia for the Soviet era and resentment against the rich West have contributed to the party's success. The AfD's social media presence has also played a significant role in its campaign, with Russian-linked disinformation campaigns supporting pro-AfD views and narratives.

The election results have significant implications for Germany and the European Union, with Merz set to lead a fractured country with a strong opposition from the AfD. The CDU/CSU's victory has been welcomed by some, who see Merz as a strong leader who can take on the challenges facing Germany and the EU. However, others have expressed concerns about the AfD's growing influence and the potential for further polarization in German politics. The far-right party's success has also sparked fears about the rise of extremism in Europe, with many calling for increased efforts to combat hate speech and promote tolerance and understanding.

The election results have also been marked by a high turnout, with 83.5 percent of eligible voters casting their ballots. The AfD's success has been attributed to a number of factors, including its ability to tap into voter discontent with the mainstream parties and its effective use of social media to spread its message. The party's leader, Alice Weidel, has also been credited with helping to soften the party's image and attract new voters. However, the AfD's ultra-conservative platform and its links to extremist groups have raised concerns about the party's true intentions and its potential impact on German society.

In terms of policy, the AfD has proposed a number of measures aimed at reducing immigration and promoting a more conservative agenda. These include stricter border controls, a reduction in the number of asylum seekers allowed into the country, and increased support for traditional family values. The party has also called for a reduction in Germany's contributions to the EU and a more independent foreign policy. However, these policies have been widely criticized by other parties and by human rights groups, who argue that they are discriminatory and undermine the principles of tolerance and equality that are enshrined in the German constitution. The following are some of the key policy points proposed by the AfD: * Stricter border controls to reduce immigration * Reduction in the number of asylum seekers allowed into the country * Increased support for traditional family values * Reduction in Germany's contributions to the EU * More independent foreign policy * Climate change denial and pro-Moscow views on the Ukraine war