The German-speaking world has seen an increase in extremism and anxiety.

For many years now, opinion polls have recorded the dynamics of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), especially in the eastern part of the country. Yesterday’s elections in two important states, Thuringia and Sachsen, showed that extreme views are gaining ground and are now the top choices for voters. The most concerning qualitative aspect is the significant influence the gathering exerts on the upcoming generation.

It was the first time since the Second World War that an extreme political group assured victory in a crucial statewide election. There were obvious signs of concern for the next day in the German and Austrian press. The following excerpt from the relevant Die Presse report in Vienna is typical. “It is a turning point in a country that has long believed that, despite many crises, politics will continue to be shaped by the center and that the global shift to the right could not affect it.” However, in the case of Thuringia, despite first place in the ballot box, the “Alternative for Germany” cannot hope to form a government since none of the parties passed the threshold prescribed by the electoral law— shows a willingness for cooperation. In this case, the CDU, which seems to be gaining ground and is making a serious bid to return to the Chancellery after the next national elections, needs to seek alliances even with disparate forces, such as the newly formed BSW, whose members have expressed opposed views from the Christian Democrats on major issues, such as, for example, Germany’s further military support for Ukraine. Resonance is already forming and may affect the local elections in Brandenburg, which are scheduled for September 22nd. Brussels and the whole of Europe have their eyes on Germany. The rise of extremes and the holistic management of the causes of this political phenomenon must be an absolute priority for the leadership of the European institutions. At the same time, September 29, when the Austrian elections will be held, is awaited with great interest. A tough battle between the Freedom Party (FPÖ) and the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) is expected, which will be decided in the final stretch. Even though the last poll results published by “Politico” on August 22 (Poll of the Polls) recorded a 5% lead for the FPÖ, the People’s Party expects a positive finish, taking advantage of the pool of undecideds. Moreover, its election campaign is tailored to attract more moderate voters, who demand stability and security and implicitly reject the country’s return to the dark past.

Spyros Kapralos, PhD (c) Politische Kommunikation

Netzwerk für Politische Kommunikation, Andrássy Universität Budapest , Universität für Weiterbildung Krems

European Communication Institute