Germany’s political consensus against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is facing growing pressure as internal divisions and declining poll ratings weaken Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s coalition. In Saxony-Anhalt, at least four lawmakers from mainstream parties are suspected of defying party instructions to help AfD candidate Tobias Rausch secure the regional
Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is considering a change to its long-standing opposition to the European Union and the euro, according to a strategy paper reviewed by Reuters. The proposal calls for renegotiating EU treaties to create a looser alliance of sovereign nations, while suggesting a referendum on Germany’s EU membership if those efforts […]
A town in eastern Germany has approved a motion backed by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) to prevent the future installation of Stolpersteine, brass plaques commemorating victims of Nazi persecution. The decision was made in Heidenau, near Dresden in Saxony. The town council voted to stop additional […]
The rise of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in eastern states is causing some immigrants to question whether they still feel welcome. Migrants interviewed by Reuters in Rostock and Schwerin described increasing anti-immigrant abuse, ranging from hostile remarks to demands that they return to their home countries. The concerns come ahead of Sunday’s
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has clashed with AfD leader Alice Weidel in parliament following the far-right party’s major victory in Saxony-Anhalt. The AfD secured nearly 44% of the vote, while Merz’s conservative CDU saw its support fall sharply. Weidel called Merz’s coalition government a failure, while Merz described the AfD as a “destructive force” and […]
Germany needs to take on new debt to strengthen its defence and infrastructure, Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said while defending the government’s 2027 budget. He argued that increased borrowing is necessary to address growing security threats and years of underinvestment. Germany plans to borrow €838.2 billion between 2027 and 2030, while total investment is
Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is seeking a majority in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, hoping to gain government power for the first time at state level in post-war Germany. A strong result could also strengthen the party’s position ahead of its broader push for national influence. AfD candidate Ulrich Siegmund has dominated campaigning in […]
Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is leading polls in two eastern states ahead of September elections, despite economists warning that some of the party’s policies could hurt the regions’ already fragile economies. The AfD is polling at around 41% in Saxony-Anhalt and 36% in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, where shrinking populations, labour shortages and lower
German security sources say Russia has intensified disinformation campaigns ahead of next month’s state elections, with online content reportedly targeting political rivals of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Authorities believe the campaign aims to deepen political divisions and undermine Germany’s governing parties, including the CDU, SPD, Greens, and
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing growing political pressure after a cabinet reshuffle triggered internal divisions within his conservative CDU/CSU alliance. Lawmakers are set to vote on his nomination of Thorsten Frei as parliamentary faction leader, with the outcome expected to be closely watched as a measure of support for Merz’s leadership. The reshuffle









