The AfD: Promises and Perils on the Eve of Germany’s Election
Introduction
As Germany prepares for its federal election on September 26, 2021, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is making waves. With its nationalist rhetoric and controversial policies, the AfD has surged in the polls, raising concerns about its potential impact on the country’s political landscape.
Fiscal Irresponsibility
According to an analysis by the Center for European Economic Research, the AfD’s proposed policies would cost the German state budget approximately €154 billion. Despite this, the party insists on adhering to the country’s debt brake. When asked where the funds would come from to offset these costs, the AfD has provided no clear answers.
Political Influence
Despite its recent surge in popularity, the AfD is unlikely to join a coalition government after the election. Other Bundestag parties have ruled out the possibility of collaborating with the AfD due to its extreme views. However, even as an opposition party, the AfD could wield significant influence, particularly on issues related to immigration and national identity.
Anti-Immigration Stance
The AfD has made abolition of the European asylum system a central plank of its election campaign. It also advocates for the elimination of supply chain laws and wind turbines. The party has been instrumental in using tragic events, such as the murder in Aschaffenburg, to portray migration as a security risk for Germany, a rhetoric that has found resonance within other parties such as the Christian Democrats and Free Democrats.
Remigration and Historical Echoes
In January, AfD leader Alice Weidel introduced the term "remigration," a concept borrowed from far-right extremist Martin Sellner, into the party’s discourse. Her supporters often chant "Alice for Germany" at rallies, a phrase eerily reminiscent of the "Everything for Germany" slogan used by Hitler’s Sturmabteilung (SA). The use of such historical parallels has resulted in fines for Thuringian AfD leader Björn Höcke.
Popular Support and Election Predictions
In the week leading up to the election, polls indicate that the AfD has garnered approximately 20% of the vote, placing it second only to the Christian Democrats. However, it is unlikely to have a direct path to power, given the unwillingness of other parties to form a coalition with them.
Unrealistic Promises
With no responsibility to govern, the AfD has made a number of lavish promises during the election campaign, including tax cuts and pension increases. The feasibility of these promises has been questioned by experts, given the party’s irresponsible fiscal policies.
Conclusion
The AfD’s presence in the Bundestag, even solely as an opposition party, has the potential to reshape Germany’s political landscape. Its anti-immigration rhetoric and irresponsible economic proposals pose significant challenges to the country’s stability and international reputation. It remains to be seen whether the AfD’s popularity will translate into concrete electoral gains and what impact it will have on German politics in the years to come.
