Brandmauer in the German election – a tabus case

Germany’s Political Firewall Crumbles: A Rise in Far-Right Support

The German word “Brandmauer,” meaning “firewall” in English, has become a focal point of political debate in Germany. This term reflects a strategic approach employed by established parties to isolate and refuse cooperation with extreme right-wing groups. Though, in the lead-up to the crucial German federal election on February 23, 2025, this firewall appears to be crumbling. The Alternative for Germany (AfD), a right-wing populist party, has been experiencing a surge in popularity, currently polling at 20-22%, making it the largest opposition party.

the Murder in Aschaffenburg: A Turning Point

The electoral landscape shifted dramatically following a horrific incident on January 22, 2025, when a rejected asylum seeker from Afghanistan murdered a man and a child at a preschool in Aschaffenburg. Friedrich Merz, the CDU’s top candidate and a strong contender for Chancellor, capitalized on this tragedy, pushing for a more stringent migration policy and advocating for stricter border controls to prevent asylum seekers from entering the country.

Merz’s proposal was surprisingly approved by the Bundestag with the support of the AfD—a move that sent shockwaves through German politics and became a stark symbol of the crumbling firewall. While AfD members celebrated this political victory, many CDU politicians expressed disbelief and dismay.

A backfire of Controversial Legislation

Two days later, Merz attempted to pass another anti-immigration law, again relying on the AfD’s support. Though, this attempt was unsuccessful. The backlash from across the political spectrum was immediate and intense, with Merz accused of breaking a basic political taboo.

hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets across Germany to protest what they perceived as the collapse of the firewall.These demonstrations,though,have not substantially dented the AfD’s support.Rather, Merz’s strategy appears to have backfired, inadvertently boosting the far-right’s legitimacy and influence.

Scandals Fail to Sway Support

Despite a string of scandals that have plagued the afd, the party’s popularity remains steadfast. A former AfD Bundestag member was charged with participating in a right-wing coup attempt in December 2022,and later that year,party members were suspected of having contacts with the extremist Saxony Separatists (SS).

Remarkably, these scandals have not diminished AfD’s support. Actually, when Björn Höcke, the party’s leader in Thüringen, was recently convicted of using the banned Nazi slogan “Alles Für Deutschland,” the party’s response was one of unwavering support. Delegates at the party conference responded with chants of “Alice Für Deutschland,” in honor of party leader Alice Weidel.

A New Political Reality

In the final stretch of the election campaign, the AfD is more radical and powerful than ever since its founding in 2013. The party has successfully managed to set the agenda and force other parties into a defensive position,while crucial social issues have been largely absent from the debate.

Irrespective of the election outcome on February 23, one thing is clear: Germany’s political firewall is significantly weaker than it once was.

A Warning Sign for Europe?

Germany’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for the rest of Europe, where far-right parties are experiencing a surge in popularity. The events unfolding in Germany highlight the fragility of democratic norms and the increasing threat posed by extremism.

Looking ahead, it is essential for European democracies to strengthen their institutions, promote inclusive policies, and address the grievances that fuel extremism.Only then can they effectively resist the rising tide of populism and safeguard their hard-won freedoms.

How does Friedrich Merz’s response to the Aschaffenburg tragedy impact the German political landscape?

Archyde Interview: A Conversation on Germany’s Evolving Political Landscape

Germany’s Political Firewall Crumbles: A Surge in Far-Right Support

We welcome you today to Archyde, where we’re discussing the unfolding political drama in Germany. Our guest is Dr. Emma Reiter, Senior Political Analyst at the Berlin Institute for International Affairs.Welcome,Dr. Reiter.

The Murder in Aschaffenburg: A Turning Point

Dr. Reiter, the murder at the Aschaffenburg preschool has undeniably shifted the political narrative. How did Friedrich Merz’s response to this tragedy impact the German political landscape?

Thanks for having me. The Aschaffenburg tragedy truly was a turning point. Merz’s swift response and proposal for stricter migration policies resonated with many germans,but his reliance on AfD’s support was a game-changer. It wasn’t just that he broke the political taboo; he also unintentionally legitimized the AfD, making them a crucial player in policy-making.

A Backfire of Controversial Legislation

Merz attempted another anti-immigration law just days later,which backfired spectacularly. What went wrong, and why didn’t the protests against this perceived collapse of the firewall dent the AfD’s support?

Merz underestimated the German public’s commitment to the firewall principle. While his initial response to Aschaffenburg played well with voters, the subsequent reliance on AfD for another legislative victory was seen as a step too far.The protests were a expressions of this anger, but the AfD benefited from the increased polarization, seeing a boost in sympathetic votes.

Scandals Fail to Sway Support

Despite multiple scandals, the AfD’s popularity remains undeterred. What explains this resilience, and what does this mean for upcoming elections?

The AfD’s voter base is incredibly loyal, driven by a mix of fear, frustration, and a sense of being left behind. Scandals among party members might tarnish the AfD’s reputation, but thay rarely sway its core supporters.As for the elections, this resilience means the AfD will likely maintain or even improve its position in the Bundestag, making it a powerful force to reckon with.

A new Political Reality

With the firewall crumbling and the AfD setting the agenda, what challenges does this new political reality pose for Germany, and how can established parties respond?

Germany faces challenges in maintaining its progressive ideals while addressing voters’ concerns about immigration and security. To respond effectively, established parties must engage with voters’ fears and frustrations openly and honestly, propose comprehensive solutions, and refuse to be drawn into extremist rhetoric.

A Warning Sign for Europe?

Germany’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for Europe. What lessons can other countries learn from this, and what steps can they take to strengthen democracy against rising extremism?

Other European countries should learn the importance of strong, inclusive institutions and the danger of ignoring voters’ grievances. Promoting democratic values, addressing inequality, and creating effective policies to integrate immigrants can help strengthen democratic norms and resist populist threats.