Friedrich Merz’s CDU/CSU alliance-led conservatives have won the 2025 German election. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured its best-ever result, coming second with 20.8% of the vote. Merz is set to become Germany’s new Chancellor. Incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s SPD suffered a sharp decline, dropping 10 percentage points to third place.
The election comes at a critical time for Germany and Europe. There are concerns over economic stagnation, migration issues, and uncertainty from the Ukraine-Russia war. Economic stagnation in recent years influenced many voter decisions in Germany. Recent migrant attacks have brought immigration into sharp focus.
Merz has pledged to tighten border controls and halt undocumented entry. He also promised to increase deportations, according to AP. The contesting parties reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine. They promised continued assistance in its conflict with Russia.
However, the biggest gainer amid all this are AfD. “What a brilliant evening for our citizens’ party! With a vote share of 20.8% (provisional final result), the AfD was able to more than double its approval rating compared to the previous federal election. We are and remain the most successful party founded in reunified Germany,” the party tweeted after the German election results.
“The AfD is ready to take on government responsibility in such an alliance so that Germany can be made fit for the future again. We stand for protected borders and consistent deportations, for energy policy without climate hysteria, for family support instead of decadence, for education policy without ideology. In short: for common sense and for the preservation of our country’s identity and sovereignty!” the tweet further stated.
Alternative for Germany?
Alternative for Germany (AfD) has emerged as one of the most important and yet most controversial political forces in modern German politics. Initially founded as a protest movement against the Eurozone’s fiscal policies, the party has evolved into a broader nationalist and right-wing populist force.
Founded in February 2013 by a group of economists, academics, and disaffected conservatives, the AfD originally presented itself as a Eurosceptic party. The immediate impetus was the German government’s response to the European sovereign debt crisis. Many of the party’s founders criticised the bailout policies and the financial integration of Europe, arguing that these measures undermined German sovereignty and economic stability.
The party’s early rhetoric was focused on fiscal conservatism and opposition to the Euro. However, as the political landscape evolved, so did the AfD’s focus. By the mid-2010s, under new leadership and after internal realignments, the party began to shift its emphasis towards issues such as national identity, immigration, and law and order. This transformation was not abrupt; rather, it occurred gradually as the party sought to capitalise on public discontent with the policies of the ruling coalition and the mainstream political establishment.
Historical Context
To understand the rise of the AfD, we have to rewind and go to Germany’s post-World War II political scene. Germany’s modern politics still carry deep historical scars. After World War II, the Germans built a new democratic state. They vowed never to repeat past extremism. Liberal democracy and human rights were cherished values; and national unity and reconciliation hard-won ideals. Any far-right ideology was met with caution. German society was wary of extremist movements. The memory of Nazi rule still loomed large.
In the 1990s, the country was facing reunification challenges when East and West struggled to merge politically and economically. This period stirred both hope and fear. Many believed old divisions would resurface. The scars of division made Germans sensitive to radical views. Traditional parties were now dominating the political landscape. They stood for stability and moderation. New voices had to fight hard to be heard.
In the decades that followed, stability became a prized value. Yet, economic challenges and reunification issues soon tested this stability. The merger of East and West created new political fault lines. Discontent began to brew among those who felt left behind by rapid change and AfD capitalised on these feelings and offered a new narrative.
The economic crises of the early 2000s and the Eurozone debt crisis deepened public scepticism. People questioned the sacrifices demanded by European integration. AfD’s message resonated with voters who were disillusioned by traditional parties. The party promised to defend German sovereignty and economic interests. This promise was rooted in a historical distrust of supranational institutions. Germany’s cautious approach after the war now faced a modern test. The public demanded accountability and a re-evaluation of old policies.
Psychological Reactance
Psychological reactance is a theory in social psychology that explains how people respond when they believe that their freedom is threatened. When individuals perceive a restriction, whether by rules, persuasion, or social pressure, they often experience an unpleasant emotional state. This state motivates them to reclaim their freedom, sometimes by doing the exact opposite of what is being imposed. The reaction can be seen in various contexts, from resisting censorship to rebelling against norms.
The problem arises when in their resistance the boundaries are blurred on why were the restrictions placed in the first place. Similar is the case of the rise of AfD.
The migration crisis of 2015 marked a turning point for AfD. Large numbers of refugees arrived at Germany’s borders. Traditional parties struggled to manage the situation and even genuine concerns of the local populace were shamed and disregarded. AfD seized the moment with sharp, direct rhetoric. The party warned that uncontrolled immigration threatened German culture and security. Its messages resonated with many who felt their identity was at risk. The shift towards nationalism became more pronounced. AfD began to stress national sovereignty and cultural preservation.
As the party moved further right, internal conflicts emerged. Moderate members found themselves increasingly outnumbered. Hardline elements pushed the party’s tone to more extreme positions. The internal realignment made AfD more populist; while its policies became simpler and more emotional. Voters were drawn to its promise of a strong national identity. This narrative appealed to those who feared rapid social change.
The transformation of AfD was both ideological and strategic.
Electoral Breakthrough and Political Impact
AfD first made headlines in the 2014 European Parliament elections. It captured around seven percent of the vote. This result hinted at its potential for national impact. In the 2017 federal elections, AfD entered the Bundestag for the first time. It secured nearly 13 percent of the vote, shocking the political establishment. This breakthrough disrupted the long-held post-war consensus. Traditional parties were forced to address issues they once ignored. The party’s growing support was a clear sign of voter discontent.
By the 2025 German election, AfD reached its best-ever result. It secured 20.8 percent of the vote and came in second. This milestone highlighted the party’s transformation and appeal. Economic stagnation, migration, and security concerns influenced voter decisions. Many citizens blamed slow economic growth for their hardships. Others felt that national identity was under threat. AfD’s clear, populist message spoke to these fears. Its success forced mainstream parties to re-examine their policies. Political debates became more heated and polarised.
Controversies and the Weight of History
AfD’s rise has been accompanied by fierce controversies. Critics accuse the party of xenophobia and far-right extremism. They argue that its rhetoric often skirts the edge of hate speech. In Germany, the past is a heavy burden. The memory of Nazism makes any far-right sentiment highly sensitive. AfD’s statements are scrutinised for echoes of extremist ideology. This historical weight makes every word matter.
Internal divisions have also troubled AfD. Factional disputes frequently emerge between moderates and radicals. These internal conflicts sometimes undermine its public image. Critics claim that the party lacks a coherent policy platform. Despite its strong electoral performance, AfD struggles with internal unity. The challenge of maintaining discipline while appealing to a diverse base is immense. The party’s future may depend on resolving these internal tensions. Its leaders face the difficult task of defining its core identity.
Stories from the Ground
Local communities offer a window into AfD’s impact. In small towns and rural areas, many people feel abandoned by traditional politics. These communities have suffered from economic decline and social change. AfD’s message of restoring national pride and order resonates strongly here. For example, in one small town in eastern Germany, a local shopkeeper spoke passionately about the need for change. He felt that established parties had ignored his struggles. His passion is not fuelled by xenophobia but a need for genuine change. Whether or not he gets it from the conservatives is a different story. His story is echoed by many others in similar regions. The party promises a return to stability and respect for local traditions.
AfD’s rhetoric offers many small-towners hope and validation. Community meetings became platforms for heated discussions about identity and belonging. The local narrative was one of loss and resistance. People felt that their voices had been drowned out by urban elites. AfD’s simple promises of tighter borders and cultural preservation struck a chord. These local stories illustrate the deep divisions within modern Germany.
AfD in the Wider European Context
AfD is part of a broader trend in European politics. Similar movements have risen in France, Italy, and Hungary. France’s National Front, for example, has long campaigned on anti-immigrant and nationalist themes. Italy’s Lega has similarly capitalised on fears of globalisation and cultural change. While each country has its unique context, common themes emerge. Populist parties in Europe often promise to protect national identity and sovereignty. AfD mirrors these trends with its own unique historical baggage.
In Germany, the rise of AfD challenges the post-war consensus. The country once prided itself on moderation and social cohesion. Economic uncertainty and cultural shifts have created new political fault lines. The party’s growth forces established parties to adjust their platforms. Mainstream political discourse now includes topics once considered taboo. This shift marks a significant change in the European political landscape. AfD’s rise is both a symptom and a catalyst of broader social change.
The Role of Media and Public Debate
Media coverage of AfD is intense and often polarised. Journalists and commentators dissect every statement and policy proposal. The party’s controversial stances attract widespread attention. This media scrutiny fuels both support and opposition. In public debates, AfD’s rhetoric is a frequent flashpoint. Supporters praise its clear stance on immigration and national identity. Critics condemn its inflammatory language and potential for divisiveness.
Public debates have also moved online. Social media platforms amplify AfD’s messages and criticisms. Viral videos and heated discussions dominate digital spaces. This modern battleground influences traditional political discourse. AfD’s use of social media is both strategic and polarising. Its simple, emotive messages resonate widely online. This digital engagement has helped the party spread its ideas quickly.
Lessons from the History
AfD’s journey offers many lessons for modern democracies. History teaches that populism often rises in times of uncertainty. The party’s growth reflects deep societal anxieties about identity and security. Germany’s past reminds us of the dangers of unchecked nationalism. The scars of World War II still influence political debates. AfD must operate within a framework that honours democratic values. Its leaders face the challenge of addressing voter concerns without repeating historical mistakes. The future of German democracy depends on this delicate balance.
The evolution of AfD shows that political movements can change rapidly. From a Eurosceptic protest group, it became a potent nationalist force. Its journey illustrates the power of public sentiment. The lessons of history are as relevant today as they were in the past. AfD’s rise forces all political actors to reflect on their values. It demands that society confront uncomfortable truths. Only through open dialogue can lasting solutions be found.
Resilience and Contention
AfD’s narrative is a story of resilience and contention. It began as a small protest and grew into a major political force. Its supporters find hope in its promise to protect German identity. Its detractors fear it may lead the country down a dangerous path. The party’s story is written by ordinary citizens who feel neglected by the establishment. Their voices are heard in town halls, social media posts, and election rallies. AfD provides them with a platform for their frustrations. In this way, the party has become a symbol of both hope and alarm.
This duality makes AfD one of modern Germany’s most polarising forces. The tension between tradition and change is palpable in every campaign. The party’s simple messages cut through complex debates. They offer clear answers in uncertain times. This clarity appeals to those who feel overwhelmed by rapid change. Yet, such simplicity can also obscure complex realities. AfD’s rise shows that populist narratives often thrive on dichotomies. They frame issues in stark, black-and-white terms. This approach can deepen social divisions. It challenges citizens to think critically about their values and choices.
The Road Ahead for German Politics
AfD has forced established parties to re-examine their policies. Issues like immigration, economic stagnation, and national identity are now central debates. The political centre has shifted, and traditional alliances are under pressure. German voters now face choices that were unimaginable just a decade ago. The future of the nation depends on how these issues are resolved. Political dialogue must be open, honest, and inclusive. Only then can the country heal and move forward.
AfD’s presence ensures that political debates will remain vibrant. Its influence has reshaped policy discussions across the spectrum. Mainstream parties now use tougher language on issues once considered minor. This change reflects deep societal shifts. Germany must now balance modernity with the lessons of its past. The country faces a critical juncture in its political evolution. How it responds will determine the nature of its future. Every election will add a new chapter to this unfolding story.
A Complex Legacy
The story of Alternative for Germany is complex. It has challenged the long-held post-war political consensus. Its rise reflects both economic discontent and cultural anxiety. The party’s journey is intertwined with Germany’s historical burdens and hopes for renewal. Its narrative is a powerful reminder that modern democracies must adapt to changing times. At the same time, they must guard against the dangers of extremism.
AfD’s legacy will be judged by future generations. Its impact on German politics is undeniable and will shape debates for years to come. The party embodies both the promise of change and the risk of division.
The journey of AfD is still unfolding. Its evolution shows that political change is never linear. Instead, it is an interplay of history, ideology, and public sentiment. In this era, every voice matters. The choices made today will shape the Germany of tomorrow. The debate is far from over, and the road ahead is uncertain. Yet, through all the controversy and conflict, the spirit of democratic dialogue endures.
