German

Only the beginning? German far right's breakthrough shakes Europe to its core

The result was not enough to win outright, but certainly enough to shake Germany and Europe to their core: the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) trounced the ruling conservatives in the impoverished former East German state of Saxony-Anhalt in Sunday's election. We ask about the consequences of voting for an anti-immigrant, pro-Russian party that wants schools to teach less about the ills of Hitler and more about the glory of Bismarck.

François PICARD

What is Germany's political 'firewall' and can it keep out the AfD?

Alternative for Germany, or AfD, has established itself as a significant political force in the 13 years since its founding, but it has never been part of any state or federal government. That’s a result of what is often called a “firewall” against cooperation with the anti-immigrant, far-right party. France 24's Philip Turle explains.

FRANCE24

‘Truly terrifying’: AfD election win sparks protests across Germany

The victory of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Sunday's state election in Saxony-Anhalt sparked protests across Germany on Monday, as demonstrators called for a united front against the hardline anti-immigrant party. Some protesters call for the party, some of whose members have praised the Nazis, to be banned, but others say AfD's success is a result of a failure of mainstream political parties.

FRANCE24

What now for Germany's Merz after AfD win?

The far-right AfD's triumph in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt marks a defeat for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and sends a warning to other European leaders battling the same mixture of slow growth and disillusion with mainstream politics. In an increasingly polarized political system, Merz, whose personal approval ratings have sunk ‌to record lows, was one of the main targets of voter ire over the cost of living, pensions and economic insecurity. France 24’s Philip Turle takes a look at what the AfD’s victory means for the German leader and for Europe.

FRANCE24

Will AfD win in Germany boost France's far right?

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) surged into first place in state elections in Saxony-Anhalt on Sunday, exit polls showed, putting a far-right party on the cusp of power at state level for the first time since World War Two. The result has garnered attention across Europe, not least in France where national elections next year could see far-right veteran Marine Le Pen become president.

FRANCE24