Germany’s far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party has gained significant ground after the Christian Democratic Union (CDU)’s leader Friedrich Merz narrowly passed a crackdown on asylum seekers, marking a first-time breach of the mainstream parties’ no-cooperation principle with the radical right. The vote, which took place in January, saw the AfD secure 20% of the vote share and solidify its position as the second-largest party in parliament.
Merz’s proposal was met with widespread criticism from his own party members and opposition parties, including the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and Greens, who condemned his decision to break a public pledge not to work with the AfD. The controversy has sparked protests across Germany, with tens of thousands taking to the streets to demonstrate against the CDU and AfD.
The far-right’s surge in popularity presents a significant challenge for the centre-left, which must now focus on building a compelling narrative that addresses voters’ concerns about the economy, climate crisis, and social security. The SPD and Greens have made significant progress with the energy transition over the past three years, but their efforts to boost public spending and invest in infrastructure face resistance from conservative lawmakers.
The polls suggest Merz’s gamble has not boosted support for the CDU, and voters are increasingly favoring tougher migration measures offered by the AfD. To regain ground, the centre-left must demonstrate a credible and forward-looking vision for Germany’s future, one that addresses the daily struggles faced by citizens and promotes public investment over scaremongering about immigration.
As the German general election approaches on February 23, the stakes are high for the centre-left to put aside its criticism of the far-right and focus on building a compelling narrative that resonates with voters.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/feb/11/germany-friedrich-merz-cdu-afd-general-election