DW Berlin Briefing - Inside German politics Why 2026 could be a milestone for Germany's AfD
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Jan 2, 2026 Matthew Moore, a sharp political journalist and keen observer of the AfD, teams up with Kate Brady, a seasoned reporter from the Washington Post, to delve into the remarkable rise of Germany's far-right party. They explore the AfD's evolution from euroskepticism to a broader right-wing agenda, linking its growth to socio-economic crises and migration issues. The duo emphasizes the significance of the upcoming state elections in 2026, discussing regional voting dynamics, potential coalition impacts, and the implications for Germany's political landscape.
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Eastern States: A Fertile Ground
- AfD performs especially strongly in former East German states due to economic grievances and weaker party attachments.
- Feelings of being left behind and demographic decline amplified receptiveness to AfD messaging.
Economy Plus Migration Fuels Support
- Economic stagnation and high prices are central drivers of AfD support alongside migration concerns.
- AfD ties government failures on economy and asylum promises to its political pitch.
Watch Seats, Not Just Poll Percentages
- Expect many post-election arithmetic permutations; monitor seat distributions, not just vote shares.
- Watch whether AfD reaches an absolute majority or merely becomes the largest party to predict coalition pressure.