Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has a clear plan in mind—to gain power by using polarization as a tool. Drawing inspiration from the divisive tactics employed by former US President Donald Trump, the AfD aims to deepen partisan divides in Germany.
“Our goal is to create a situation where the political divide shifts from being between the AfD and other political currents to one where a bourgeois-conservative camp confronts a radicalizing left-wing camp, similar to the scenario in the US,”
reveals an internal party document obtained by POLITICO.
The strategy hinges on setting up a clash between two fundamentally opposed groups. The AfD has made significant strides and now holds the distinction of being the largest opposition party in parliament after securing its best-ever second-place finish in a national election earlier this year.
Despite its growing influence, the AfD finds itself distanced from actual national governance due to other parliamentary factions like Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservatives refusing coalition partnerships with them. This standoff mirrors what is known as Brandmauer—a postwar firewall erected against far-right ideologies.
Breaking through this protective barrier is crucial for the AfD, which seeks to shed its extremist image and persuade voters that it deserves entry into positions of power. Key lawmaker Beatrix von Storch leads efforts aimed at dismantling this firewall and forging alliances with German conservative parties.
Von Storch’s approach draws heavily from American politics, particularly praising US Vice President JD Vance’s critique of barriers preventing right-wing participation as undemocratic. Her ties with influential figures like Steve Bannon underline her commitment to adopting successful strategies from across the Atlantic.
The tactic adopted by von Storch seems reminiscent of Trump’s playbook, where opponents are often labeled as
“radical left lunatics.”
By positioning itself against more extreme elements on the left—such as The Left party—the AfD hopes to present itself as a moderate conservative force appealing to mainstream sensibilities.
Germany’s historical context adds layers of complexity to this political maneuvering. The shadow of Nazi history casts a long-lasting firewall against right-wing movements coming into power. Nevertheless, cracks have started appearing in this barrier, especially evident in local governments across eastern Germany where centrists have collaborated with the AfD.
While attempts were made last January to fortify this firewall further following debates over migration legislation supported by some conservatives and the AFD, challenges persist as populist sentiments resonate among disillusioned center-right voters dissatisfied with existing coalitions.
To strengthen their position further, the AfD plans ambitious proposals targeting disenchanted conservative supporters while simultaneously expanding their appeal among demographics less inclined towards far-right ideologies such as women, older individuals, academics, and urban dwellers.
