Angela Merkel at Fault for Germany’s Crisis

Europe’s political landscape is undergoing significant changes, driven by a growing backlash against mass immigration. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has gained notable success in regional elections in Thuringia and Saxony, signaling a further decline for mainstream parties in Germany, Europe’s largest country.

This trend is evident across Europe. In France, traditional parties have been overshadowed by the National Rally. Italy is governed by a party with historical ties to Mussolini’s fascists. In Germany, the AfD achieved its highest vote share ever, surpassing any far-right party since the Nazis, which carries profound implications given the country’s history.

Germany’s history has led to a political barrier designed to exclude extremist parties from power. Other parties have refused to form coalitions with the AfD, and Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for a “firewall” to prevent their entry into government. However, this stance may contribute to a sense of alienation among many voters, who feel their concerns are being ignored. The AfD is not the only beneficiary of this disillusionment; a party founded by a former East German communist also secured third place in the elections.

This rejection of mainstream parties is partly attributed to the legacy of Angela Merkel. Her 2015 decision to admit one million migrants has been seen as fueling the rise of fringe parties, particularly in the eastern regions of Germany. With federal elections approaching in a year, the AfD is now polling in second place nationally, while the ruling Social Democrat-led coalition’s popularity is waning.

Despite Scholz’s efforts to create a political barrier against the AfD, there is a real possibility that effective governance in Germany could soon require cooperation with the far-right party. This shift reflects broader challenges facing Europe as political dynamics continue to evolve.