Usually, disreputable actions are carried out in the shadows when no one is watching. In today’s hard-right landscape of European politics, however, the new modus operandi is to flaunt one’s unhinged character, disdain for the rule of law, civility, and democratic values—the very ideals that Western democracies pride themselves on. Admiring a Russian dictator who has devastated the lives of millions with his senseless war? Sure. Advocating violence and resurrecting Nazi-era ideas to achieve political ends? Absolutely. Making outrageous economic claims to gain cheap support from the electorate? Why not. While some voters might view this as merely an eccentricity of today’s political climate, if left unchecked, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) could destabilize not only Germany but all of Europe.
Dream, Baby, Dream
Populist movements like the AfD have one major advantage over traditional parties: they are unbound by truth and willing to twist it when necessary. Making lofty promises is much easier when there’s no intention to follow through—and this is precisely the AfD’s strategy. Take, for instance, the party’s manifesto, which was approved just a week ago. In it, the AfD advocates for Germany’s departure from the European Union and the eurozone. According to the party, following the example of Great Britain would “maintain the country as a sovereign state.” Do potential voters consider how intertwined Germany is with the EU and the catastrophic consequences such a move could have for them and future generations? How would dismantling the EU economically, socially, and in terms of national security weaken Germany? Or is this, in fact, the hidden goal of a far-right party under surveillance by Germany’s domestic intelligence for “suspected right-wing extremism”?
Additionally, during the first 100 days of an AfD government, the party promises the “total closure of Germany’s borders” (including abandoning the Schengen Area) and “large-scale repatriations”—a euphemism for mass deportations reminiscent of Nazi-era policies.
Foreign Policy Red Flags
On foreign policy, the AfD raises another alarming concern with its cozy relationship with war criminal Vladimir Putin. The party, with a straight face, claims that “easing tensions in relations with Russia is a prerequisite for lasting peace in Europe.” Notably, the brutal war in Ukraine and its devastating consequences seem to be little more than a nuisance for the AfD, which advocates for an unconditional end to sanctions against Russia and deeper economic ties with the country. This includes a potential relaunch of the controversial Nord Stream pipeline, which Russia built to provide the EU with cheap gas. When AfD’s own Bundestag deputy Albrecht Glaser proposed adding a clause condemning Russian aggression to the party manifesto, nearly 70% of delegates rejected it.
In a laughable twist, the AfD demands “strict adherence” to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of states—despite Russia’s blatant interference in Ukraine. Predictably, there is no mention of condemning Moscow’s actions. Meanwhile, the party’s proposal for Ukraine to remain a neutral state outside NATO and the EU aligns perfectly with Russia’s objectives.
Although there is no direct evidence of financial support similar to the loan received by Le Pen’s far-right National Front from a now-defunct Russian bank, the AfD’s affinity for Russia is undeniable. Moscow will undoubtedly be among those eager to see the EU weakened, Western support for Ukraine undermined, and closer defense cooperation between EU member states shelved. Who would not want to lift sanctions and return to business as usual as if the war had never occurred? Not surprisingly, Moscow launched an extensive online disinformation campaign to promote the AfD and undermine mainstream German parties ahead of the election, according to research by the German think tank CeMAS.
AfD’s Uncertain Future
Despite its far-reaching plans to overhaul domestic and foreign policies, the AfD’s future remains uncertain. With less than a month until Germany’s general election on February 23, the Bundestag is set to debate an application to ban the party as early as next week, citing its increasingly radical positions. According to the German constitution, the parliament can request the Constitutional Court to ban a party for pursuing anti-constitutional or anti-democratic goals. Currently, the AfD’s local party organizations have been designated as “far-right extremist” in several German federal states, including Saxony. The courts have ruled that various AfD positions, particularly on migration policy, are contrary to the principles of a basic democratic order.
