Why is the AfD so popular?
After the AfD's strong performance in the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, Europe's media are looking at why so many people voted for a party that has been officially classified as right-wing extremist. They home in on the weaknesses and failings of the other parties.
A deeply dissatisfied society
The Christian Democrats' poor results in Saxony-Anhalt are an expression of a lack of trust in their policies at the national level, explains Dnevnik:
“This is the people's way of punishing Merz, about whom they are sceptical among other things because of the pension reform in Germany. ... Many are wondering whether they haven't already worked enough for their pensions. Moreover, those in the east are not able to supplement their pensions through additional private pension schemes to the same extent that those in the west can because their incomes are lower. ... The loss of the political centre and the strengthening of the extreme fringes are symptoms of a deeply dissatisfied society. Saxony-Anhalt has thus become a key testing ground for what the German party landscape will look like in the future.”
Ignoring the key issue
The importance of the migration issue is underestimated across Europe, Corriere del Ticino warns:
“In many countries nationalist-populist parties are on the rise and other right-wing parties are in power or part of the government. This rise of the right is driven by anger, fear, resentment and a desire for protection and authoritative leadership – factors that traditional parties have all too often ignored. The migration issue is at the key issue. Not because every concern regarding immigration is xenophobic, but because no democracy can afford to appear incapable of managing borders, asylum, integration and security. If the state fails to distinguish between those entitled to protection and others and leaves local authorities to their own devices, it abandons the field to those who propose a brutal and simplistic solution: shut everything down, deport everyone.”
Reforms a recipe for disaster
Der Standard draws parallels between Germany and Austria:
“The parties here in Austria are also keen to learn from the AfD's triumphant election victory in Saxony-Anhalt. There are a number of parallels between the two countries. Right-wing nationalist parties are on the rise in both Germany and Austria. The coalition governments in Vienna and Berlin are struggling in vain to improve their dismal poll ratings. One conclusion from Sunday's election result is particularly interesting from an Austrian perspective, and that is: anyone who wants to survive politically should steer clear of controversial and sensitive reforms.”