Germany’s right turn

The far right takes over

The party of Angela Merkel, the CDU a right center party coalition has to face the rising popularity of the far right party AFD .

This gesture shows the disapproval and refusal to acknowledge the victory only possible through an alliance with the far right party.

What exactly is happening?

Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer announced her resignation

Her decision came after a controversial local election last week, that led members of her party in the eastern state of Thuringia to work with the Alternative for Deutschland (AfD), a far-right, anti-immigrant and neo nazi party. She has opposed this coalition and pointed out that it is a violation of CDU policy.

Why is this relevant?

AKK’s resignation has shed light on a changing political landscape in Germany, where radical parties are increasingly becoming more popular. This situation might seem familiar as many european countries have also witnessed the rise of the far right.

For years centrist coalitions have held power but it is now changing. It raises concerns about Merkels successor. The CDU will have to navigate in a very polarized political environment and the decision of some leaders to accept to collaborate with the AfD iiisreveals some weaknesses.

Why is this problematic?

The nationalist Alternative for Germany (AfD) entered the government 7 years ago and has become more popular since Angela Merkel’s decision to welcome migrants frok the Middle east. It is now the biggest opposition party in the National Parliament, with 89 seats. Just like other europeans country , Germany is witnessing the rise of fascism and nationalism surfing on the replacement theory, anti-islam, anti-immigration waves. But there also is the neo nazi ideology and theory that is seen as a threat.

The ghost of nazism

The AFD party’s leader of Thuringia, Björn Höcke, described Berlin’s Holocaust memorial as a « monument of shame » and called for a « 180-degree turnaround » in Germany’s handling of its Nazi past.

What seemed impossible years ago is now happening and Germany’s centrists parties must act wisely to prevent a further expansion of the far right movement. The situation is quiet alarming due to Germanys history and the disappearition of traditional parties all accross Europ. This uncertainty leaves space for a lot of speculation and is moving the country towars greater division.

Sources:

jhttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-37274201

https://www.ft.com/content/06e3303c-c03f-11e9-89e2-41e555e96722