What It’s About
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has urged mainstream political parties to avoid aligning with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) following their notable gains in two regional elections. The AfD secured its first-ever victory in a regional election in Thuringia and came in a strong second in Saxony.
Why It Matters
The AfD’s success alarms many, especially considering its anti-immigrant and anti-Islam positions, alongside its controversial statements and use of Nazi slogans by some leaders. Scholz’s call to isolate the AfD underscores the importance of preserving democratic principles and social unity in Germany.
Chancellor Scholz’s Stand
Scholz termed the election results “bitter” for his ruling coalition, which performed poorly in both states. He strongly urged democratic parties to establish stable governments without including right-wing extremists, highlighting that “the AfD is damaging Germany” and weakening its economy and societal harmony.
Electoral Outcome
AfD emerged as the leading party in Thuringia with about 33% of the vote, becoming the first far-right party to win such an election since World War II. In Saxony, the AfD came a close second, trailing the conservative CDU only slightly.
Mainstream Parties’ Response
The CDU has reaffirmed its stance against forming coalitions with the AfD, despite the complications this presents in forming stable governments. CDU’s candidate in Thuringia, Mario Voigt, called for a “reasonable government” in collaboration without the AfD.
The Voice of the People
Reactions among citizens have been mixed. Some express concern over the rise of far-right ideology, desiring a more inclusive Germany, while others show support for the AfD’s hardline stance on immigration and societal issues.
The Bigger Picture
The gains by far-right and far-left parties illustrate growing discontent among German voters towards the incumbent government, setting a challenging landscape ahead of the 2025 national elections.
Implications for Israel
Germany’s internal stability has ripple effects in the international community, including Israel. A stable and strong Germany is crucial for Europe and for maintaining balance in international relations, including the robust Israel-Germany bilateral ties. Ensuring that extremist elements do not gain an upper hand is vital not just for Germany but for its allies as well.
Scholz Coalition: Challenges and Future
The results were a significant setback for Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD), and their coalition partners, the FDP and Greens, also faced poor outcomes. Scholz aims to rally his coalition to improve their performance and appeal ahead of the next national election, emphasizing unity and constructive action amidst rising political challenges.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.