Alternative for Germany (AFD) achieved historical success in yesterday’s parliamentary elections, convincing by the second place at the national level.
At the same time, AFD is an obvious winner in East Germany, which is proof that the electoral division between the east and west of the country remains in force.
Five states that make up former East Germany – Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia – represent political strongholds of AFD. There, the party enjoys far greater support than in the west of Germany.
That turned out yesterday. AFD won 34 percent of the votes in the east, which is almost twice as much as he won in the west (17.7 percent)
Results in the area of the former East Germany:
AFD – 34 percent
CDU / CSU – 17.8 percent (30.8 percent in the west)
Links – 13.2 percent (7.8 percent in the west)
SPD – 11.3 percent (17.6 percent in the west)
BSW – 10.2 percent (3.9 percent in the west)
Green – 6.8 percent (13.2 percent in the west)
FDP – 3.3 percent (5 percent in the west)
It is already traditionally significant differences in the results of the elections between east and western Germany, and they arise from historical, economic and social factors.
After the fall of the Berlin wall and unification of Germany, the East country faced rapid social and economic changes. Many citizens felt neglected during the transition process, which influenced their trust in traditional political parties.
Economic challenges such as lower salaries, higher unemployment rates and demographic problems are more common in eastern regions. These factors often encourage a sense of dissatisfaction and frustration, leading to larger opening according to alternative, often populist options.
AFD was founded in 2013. originally formed as a Eurozone’s European and economic policy, but over time he transformed into a right-wing populist movement.
It is critical of further European integration and advocates stronger national sovereignty. He asks for stricter control borders and reduce the mass inflow of migrants, especially from Muslim countries, emphasizing the importance of preserving German cultural identity.
He promotes traditional values and national identity, which is often associated with the criticism of multiculturalism. It often expresses concerns about the impact of Islam to the German society, leading to the accusations of Islamophobia.
Many political analysts, media and institutions in Germany, as well as abroad, positioning AFD as an extremely right party. Many critics point out that the party uses a very sharp rhetoric aimed at migrants and Islamic culture, which is perceived as intolerant and exclusively. Also, they accuse the AFDs for rejection of modern democratic standards
(Vijesti.ba)
