Why the former East is becoming Germany's far-right stronghold

The anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) is expected to dominate the upcoming eastern state elections and could become the first far-right party to govern at the state level since World War II. Elisabeth Kaiser, the government commissioner for eastern Germany and a Thuringian lawmaker, traced this rise to the abrupt shutdown of state-run firms after the Berlin Wall fell, which created long-lasting unemployment and a collective feeling of loss.

Decades later, wages, savings and political representation remain lower in the east, fostering a perception of disadvantage despite recent infrastructure investments. The AfD’s anti-migration stance resonates even though the region hosts fewer foreign-born residents, recalling the “baseball bat years” of 1990s xenophobic violence. Kaiser also warned that nostalgic symbols like the Simson scooter and a lingering anti-American sentiment, combined with a desire for renewed dialogue with Russia, are being exploited by populists to deepen the party’s support.