Political scientist warns established parties lack a viable path as AfD gains ground in Germany
Political scientist Kubáček cautions that traditional parties in Europe, especially Germany's CDU, face a bleak outlook as the far-right AfD continues to rise in popularity.
In a recent analysis, political scientist Kubáček warned that Europe’s mainstream parties are running out of effective strategies as voter discontent grows. He points to the AfD’s steady climb in the polls, now attracting nearly a third of German voters, and its decisive win in Sachsen-Anhalt as a clear signal that the policy of marginalising the party is failing. The CDU, which leads the federal government, experienced the largest drop in support, losing more voters than any other established party.
At the same time, the leftist Die Linke achieved a win in the Berlin state election, highlighting the broader realignment of German politics. Kubáček cautions that ignoring both far-right and far-left forces could push Europe toward irrelevance on the global stage.
Why it matters
The shift threatens the stability of traditional parties and could reshape Europe’s political balance.
How this story developed
- Sep 21 Speaking on Tagesschau Extra, Krings said a division of the two top positions has not been ruled out and should be openly discussed. He recalled past CDU experiences where combining the roles proved problematic and stressed that the country's interests must come before personal ambitions. Krings added that the party must focus on overdue reforms rather than debating leadership changes, especially after recent electoral defeats in several states.
- Sep 21 The Greens announced they will seek a red‑green‑red coalition with the Left and SPD.
- Sep 21 AfD received about 44% of the vote in Saxony‑Anhalt, falling short of a majority by three seats.
- Sep 22 The CDU top council met on Monday to voice concerns about the party’s leadership.
- Sep 23 SPD and Greens require Die Linke to demonstrate anti‑antisemitism safeguards before coalition talks can proceed.
- Sep 24 Merz faces mounting pressure after the regional setbacks.
- Sep 24 The Israeli ambassador warned of an “immediate existential threat” to Berlin’s Jewish community over alleged antisemitism in the party.
- Sep 24 The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance pledged support for the AfD’s speaker nominee, creating a parliamentary majority for the AfD in Saxony‑Anhalt.
- Sep 27 SPD and Greens issued a joint warning demanding Die Linke reject antisemitism and clan crime before coalition talks proceed.
- Sep 29 AfD parliamentary group chair Ulrich Siegmund said he will stand for the Minister-President post in the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament in December.
- Oct 3 Tobias Rausch was elected speaker of the Landtag.
- Oct 3 AfD now ahead of the Union in the latest INSA Sunday poll, widening the gap.
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