AfD Surges Over 20% as German Elections Shift Right

The recent German elections have significantly shifted the political landscape, with the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) taking power and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) emerging as the official opposition, marking a historic high in support for the latter with over 20% of the vote. This election has underscored the stark division in Germany, with the CDU dominating in the West and the AfD achieving remarkable success in the East, where it has traditionally been strong due to socio-economic grievances. The rise of the AfD is seen as a wake-up call for the mainstream parties, particularly the center-left Social Democrats (SPD), who suffered a devastating defeat, reflecting broader trends across Western democracies. CDU leader Friedrich Merz has adopted a tougher stance on immigration, distancing himself from Angela Merkel's previous centrism, while AfD leader Alice Weidel has positioned her party as the voice of the people. The situation raises critical questions about the future of coalition politics in Germany, especially as established parties continue to refuse partnerships with the AfD due to its controversial and extremist positions. Analysts suggest that without a strategic response, Germany's mainstream political landscape may continue to erode, further empowering the far-right.