AfD threatens fresh blow to Merz

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Published: 2026-09-20T15:08:23.830Z • Permanent link

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is facing a fresh challenge to his leadership as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party threatens to make significant gains in the upcoming state elections in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The AfD has already secured a historic win in Saxony-Anhalt just two weeks ago, where it secured 33.5% of the vote and 47 seats in the state parliament. This momentum could propel the AfD to even greater heights, potentially undermining Scholz's coalition government.

Scholz's government has been struggling to contain the rise of the AfD, which has become a major force in German politics. The party's popularity has been fueled by concerns over immigration, Islamization, and the impact of globalization on traditional German values. The AfD's leader, Alexander Gauland, has become a prominent figure in German politics, known for his outspoken views on these issues. Gauland has vowed to continue to push for a more assertive German foreign policy and to challenge the European Union's policies on immigration and asylum seekers.

The AfD's success in Saxony-Anhalt has also raised concerns among European leaders, who fear that the party's rise could have implications for the stability of the European Union. The EU has long been concerned about the AfD's anti-immigrant and anti-EU rhetoric, and has taken steps to counter its influence. However, the AfD's continued success could force the EU to re-evaluate its approach to the party and to consider more effective ways to counter its message.

The AfD's potential success in the upcoming state elections has significant implications for the research community, particularly those focused on German politics and European affairs. The party's rise has already had a major impact on the academic debate, with many researchers arguing that it represents a significant challenge to the traditional liberal order in Germany and Europe. The AfD's views on immigration and Islamization have also sparked heated debates among scholars, with some arguing that the party's rhetoric is driven by a deep-seated fear of cultural change.

The AfD's influence could also be felt in the business world, particularly in industries that are heavily reliant on immigration. Companies such as Siemens and Volkswagen have already faced criticism for their handling of immigration policies, and the AfD's success could lead to further pressure on these companies to take a more assertive stance on the issue. The AfD's views on EU membership and trade policy could also have significant implications for the German economy, particularly in industries that are heavily reliant on exports.

The AfD's rise is part of a broader pattern of political upheaval in Germany, which has been marked by rising tensions between the traditional liberal parties and the far-right AfD. The AfD's success has been fueled by a growing sense of discontent among German voters, who feel that their concerns over immigration and Islamization are not being adequately addressed by the traditional parties. This discontent has also been fueled by a growing sense of disillusionment with the European Union, which has been marked by rising tensions over issues such as migration and trade.