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Post-World War II German politics has seen a shift in ideology, reminiscent of the Nazi era. The far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) has won a historic victory in the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt. It is the first time since World War II and the end of the Nazi regime that a far-right party has won such a large victory in a German state election. According to preliminary election results, the AfD won 43.8 percent of the vote, more than double its previous share.
The victory has caused concern in Germany and across Europe, as no right-wing party has won such a significant victory in more than 90 years. Political analysts attribute the AfD’s success to growing public discontent, including anger over immigration, the economic crisis, disillusionment with mainstream parties and opposition to Germany’s massive financial aid to the Ukrainian war.

German Chancellor Merz grew tense

This has raised concerns for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. After the election results, Merz admitted that this was one of his party’s worst electoral defeats in decades. He said the result had shaken him and his party deeply, and the government could no longer ignore it. Merz’s most direct question was about his political responsibility. He was asked at what point he would accept that his political strategy had failed and that he was no longer in a position to serve as Chancellor. However, the chancellor did not indicate any possibility of stepping down.
He said he was seriously considering how to bring the country back to the path of shared political success. “Giving up is not an option,” Merz said. He added that he is not a person who expresses his emotions in public every day, but the current situation calls for introspection. He acknowledged that to regain public trust, the government must better explain its decisions and the rationale behind them. He said Germany needs to do more to increase competitiveness, reduce bureaucracy and remove obstacles that hinder economic growth.

Changing political equations in other European countries

France – Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardela’s National Rally (RN) party is fast becoming mainstream. France is a nuclear-armed nation and a key member of NATO. If a right-wing government comes to power, it could have a significant impact on defense policy and aid to Ukraine.
Italy – The right-wing government of Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni has been in power for a long time. However, Maloney has a strict immigration policy and openly supports NATO and Ukraine. This is proof that being right-wing doesn’t always mean “pro-Russia”.

spain – The conservative People’s Party (PP) is leading in Spain. However, he may need to rely on the support of the right-wing party Vox to form a government.

Poland – Right-wing forces are strong here too, but they see Russia as the biggest threat to their existence. This is why there are right-wing forces that are anti-Russian and pro-Ukraine.

Russia and its impact on Putin

The best-case scenario for Russian President Vladimir Putin would not be a European bloc dominated by pro-Russian governments, but a fragmented Europe. If key countries like Germany, France, Italy and Poland start taking different stances on issues like Ukraine, sanctions against Russia and defense, the unity of the European Union (EU) will weaken. On the other hand, if this new right wing in Europe increases military spending for its national security, Europe may become militarily more capable of confronting Russia.

What does it mean for America and Trump?

This German election result is a significant boost for the right-wing movement in America under the leadership of Donald Trump. It supports Trump’s claim that the public is fed up with old global policies and wants national sovereignty and stricter border controls. One downside, however, is that if nationalism fuels divisions in European countries, it may be difficult for America to act as a cohesive force within NATO.
Electoral victories of right-wing parties in Europe indicate a shift of the political center to the right. In the coming days, mainstream European parties will also adopt policies on immigration and national security. The future of European politics will no longer be a question of “left versus right”, but of which right-wing party will prevail.