The far right is gaining popularity in Germany

The Mayor of Trier, Wolfram Leibe, reacted with concern to the historic victory of the ‘Alternative for Germany’ (AfD) party in the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt. The far-right party secured 43.8 per cent of the vote, more than doubling its 2021 result. It finished well ahead of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which secured 17.2 per cent, and the Social Democratic Party (SPD), which received 9.3 per cent. However, despite winning 39 of the 83 seats in the state parliament, the AfD failed to secure an absolute majority.

As the traditional parties rule out the possibility of forming a coalition with a political force whose regional branch is officially recognised as far-right, Saxony-Anhalt has found itself in a political impasse. Commenting on the situation, Leibe categorically rejected the idea that the winning party should be given the chance to form a government in order to put its election promises to the test in practice. Citing Germany’s historical experience, he described such an experiment as extremely dangerous. At the same time, the politician expressed doubts about the viability of an alternative alliance comprising five different parties, suggesting that a minority government might prove a more realistic solution to the situation.

Analysing the reasons behind the shift in voter support, the mayor pointed to serious failings on the part of the federal government in Berlin. In his view, the constant changes in policy direction regarding pensions, healthcare and social reforms are leaving citizens confused. Leibe emphasised that the authorities should see their decisions through to the end, and that the federal government needs to listen more closely to the local level, where traditional parties are still able to maintain voters’ trust.

Against the backdrop of rising right-wing sentiment, the issue of migration is a particular focus of attention. The politician insists on the need for a more nuanced approach to the debate. In particular, he highlighted a paradoxical situation: the eastern regions of Germany take in fewer migrants than the western ones, yet it is precisely there that this issue provokes the greatest political reaction. Leibe cited an example from his own administrative experience. Often, residents who are categorically opposed to immigration in general begin to protest en masse and defend specific refugee families in their neighbourhood when those families face the real threat of deportation.

In conclusion, Leibe warned of the consequences of the rise of the far right, not only for Germany but for the entire European Union. The prospect of such forces coming to power in major EU member states, he said, could prove disastrous and lead to political sabotage that would jeopardise the very functioning of the European Union.