Bavaria Elections: The Rise of the Far Right Alternative for Germany (AfD)

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The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is on the rise in Bavaria. In the most recent state elections, the AfD won 10.2% of the vote, making it the third largest party in the state. This is a significant increase from the AfD’s showing in the last Bavarian elections, in which they won only 4.3% of the vote.

Alternative for Germany is polling at around 15%, well ahead of the Social Democrats who currently lead the ‘traffic light’coalition running the nation (so-called because of the red, yellow and green colours of the parties). It is a similar story in Hessen. The AfD could conceivably come second in both states.

The AfD’s success is due in part to their anti-immigration rhetoric. In the wake of the refugee crisis, the AfD has been able to tap into fears about mass immigration and portray themselves as the only party who will protect Bavaria’s interests. This message has resonated with many Bavarians, who have been concerned about the influx of refugees into the state.

The AfD’s rise is also a sign of the growing support for far-right parties across Europe. In recent years, Europe has seen the rise of far-right parties in countries like France, Italy, and Hungary. This trend strongly indicates that more and more people are becoming receptive to the far-right’s rhetoric.

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