The Rise of the Far Right in Germany: A Wake Up Call for Europe The German regional elections in Mecklenburg Western Pomerania and Berlin are being closely watched, not just because they will determine Chancellor Friedrich Merz's hold on power, but also because they signal a worrying trend with far reaching implications for Europe.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD), a party rooted in nationalist and anti migration sentiment, has been gaining ground steadily, and its success or failure in these elections will be seen as a barometer of the country's ability to counter extremist ideologies.
The AfD's rapid rise is striking. Its near majority finish in Saxony Anhalt two weeks ago was a shock to many Germans, who had believed their country had moved beyond nationalist fervor.