Panic in Germany with far-Right party on brink of huge election breakthrough

 In Germany, the far-right party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) is gaining significant support, especially among young voters using social media. This surge is creating concern just days before the election set for February 23, 2025.

1. AfD's Growing Popularity:

• The AfD has seen a substantial increase in support, particularly among 18 to 29-year-olds, rising from 6% to 17%.

• Their popularity is partly due to effective social media strategies, where they have gained traction with emotional messaging related to immigration and security.

2. Concerns About Violence:

• Young voters like 26-year-old Nicole Kursch cite recent violent incidents involving migrants, which intensifies their fears and influences their voting decisions.

• Incidents such as a recent attack in Munich have further fueled the party's narrative against immigration.

3. Election Background:

• Early elections were prompted by the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition.

• Results will start coming out after polls close on February 23, with potential implications for German and European politics.

4. Party’s Extremism and Mainstream Reactions:

• The AfD, categorized with extremist ideologies, is unlikely to form a government due to mainstream parties' refusal to ally with them.

• Despite this, a strong second place in the election could shift political dynamics significantly.

5. Social Media Strategy:

• The AfD has invested heavily in social media, engaging with voters in ways traditional parties have not, which contributes to its normalization within German politics.

• Other parties, like the leftist Der Linke, are also adapting to this digital approach to increase their visibility among younger voters.

6. Youth Discontent with Mainstream Politics:

• Analysts suggest many young people feel these mainstream parties do not adequately address their needs, such as education and climate policies, pushing them towards the AfD.

• The established media’s lack of engagement has also created curiosity about the AfD among younger voters, leading them to seek information directly online.

7. Implications for German Politics:

• Regardless of the election outcome, the rise of the AfD represents a significant shift in German politics, potentially influencing how other European countries handle similar issues.

• The growing power of the AfD could affect policy discussions, especially regarding immigration and security.

The upcoming German elections hold significant implications for the future of politics in Germany and beyond. The rise of the AfD indicates a shift in voter sentiment, particularly among youth, highlighting a growing concern over immigration and security. The interaction between digital communication and political engagement is changing the landscape, suggesting that both mainstream and extremist parties will need to adapt to these new realities.

https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/2016948/panic-germany-far-right-party