The Shadow of the AfD and the Resilience of German Democracy

The Weight of History

Two significant events loom in the coming days, each with profound implications for my relationship with Germany. One, splashed across global media, portends a dark moment for democratic stability. The other, more personal and quietly meaningful, marks five years since I formally became a German citizen—an event that carries emotional weight far beyond its bureaucratic significance.

As I contemplate these moments, it is difficult not to consider how much has changed since 2021, when I first took the oath of citizenship in a country that had long held a place in my heart—not just for its democratic traditions, but because it represented a future unburdened by the horrors of the past. My father's German-Jewish heritage meant that my connection to Germany was always complicated, yet deeply rooted in a sense of unfinished business.

"Having a Jewish, German-speaking father, I had always felt a sense of unfinished business. As a young newspaper correspondent in 1988–1990 in then East Berlin, I had reported with admiration on the peaceful revolution that led to the fall of the Wall and reunification."

In those early years of my career, Germany stood as a beacon of what liberal democracy could be—sober, consensual, deeply committed to the principles of community and responsibility. In contrast, the UK after Brexit seemed adrift, even clownish in its political dysfunction.

The AfD: A New Threat to Democracy

The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) has evolved from a marginal protest party into a serious threat to German democracy. Its rise in Saxony-Anhalt and nearby Thuringia signals something far more ominous than the typical fluctuations of electoral politics. The party's ideology, with its emphasis on “remigration,” its downplaying of Nazi history, and its warm relations with the Kremlin, places it at the extreme edge of European right-wing politics.

Indeed, German intelligence services have officially classified the AfD as an extremist force. This is not hyperbole but a sober assessment of its potential to undermine democratic norms through misinformation, disinformation, and political manipulation—tools that are now weaponized on a scale unseen since the last century.

Its appeal is not just ideological but psychological, exploiting economic anxieties and social alienation in post-reunification Germany. The AfD's success is tied to the broader European trend of political fragmentation, where voters increasingly turn to radical alternatives when they feel ignored by mainstream parties.

The Fragility of Consensus

The current German government, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz and now Friedrich Merz, struggles with a fractured coalition. The political center—once the bedrock of German governance—is showing signs of fatigue. The challenges facing Germany extend beyond policy disputes; they touch upon its very soul.

The AfD's growing influence is evident in the paralysis of reform efforts. Pension systems, healthcare, and welfare programs are stalled, delayed by an inability to reach consensus. This paralysis reflects a deeper crisis in governance—one where compromise, once a virtue, has become a liability.

What is particularly concerning is how this political stagnation is being exacerbated by the media environment. Merz's tenure, which might have been criticized harshly in previous eras, now attracts vitriolic attacks from both sides of the political spectrum. The media's role in shaping public discourse has become a weapon in the hands of those who would undermine democracy.

A History of Resilience

Yet, history offers hope. Germany was once labeled the “sick man of Europe” in the late 1990s. It emerged from that period with a renewed economic strategy and a reinvigorated commitment to defense spending. By 2026, it had increased defense expenditure from barely 1% of GDP to an ambitious target of 3.5% by 2029—well ahead of the UK.

This transformation was not without sacrifice. It required courage and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about the country's past and present. Public opinion, despite economic challenges, has largely supported this rearmament effort. The discourse around national security has shifted from passive pacifism to proactive engagement—a shift that reflects a deeper maturity in German political culture.

Reclaiming the Narrative

The AfD's dominance of the narrative is not without reason; its messaging resonates with many Germans who feel disempowered by mainstream politics. Yet, it is essential to counter this narrative with stories of resilience, reform, and community cohesion. The infrastructure investments initiated in recent years are beginning to show results. A half-trillion euros in spending is being directed toward modernizing Germany's systems, and industries such as aeronautics are being retooled for the future.

These developments should not be overlooked. In a time when optimism seems rare, the achievements of German engineering and innovation provide a counterpoint to the despair that AfD rhetoric seeks to promote. More importantly, they represent a commitment to progress and adaptation—a core value of any healthy democracy.

The Moral Imperative

As Frank-Walter Steinmeier once said, “The alien, the different, the new are not rejected or excluded; they are curiously and hungrily embraced and absorbed.” This sentiment, central to the German national identity, remains a beacon in a world increasingly divided by identity politics. The AfD's appeal is built on fear and exclusion—its threat is not just political but cultural.

Yet, public opinion polls indicate a deep concern about democratic backsliding. Among the younger generation, there is a palpable optimism that democracy can be reinvigorated. These sentiments must be nurtured and supported through robust institutions and courageous leadership.

The choice Germany faces is not just one of votes but of values. It is a choice between succumbing to fear and division or embracing the strength found in solidarity and shared purpose. The AfD may have gained ground, but it has not yet gained the moral authority to claim legitimacy.

A Personal Reflection

Five years on from my citizenship ceremony, I remain proud of my adopted country. My journey through Germany's political landscape—from the peaceful revolution of 1989 to today's challenges—has taught me that democracy is not a static achievement but an ongoing process of renewal and resilience.

I have faith in the enduring strength of German institutions and its people. In the face of adversity, Germans have shown time and again their ability to rise above their difficulties and to build a more inclusive, forward-looking society. The AfD may be a symptom of the crisis, but it is not its final word.

Our task now is to ensure that democracy does not merely survive this moment but thrives in the face of it. It is a responsibility shared by all who value freedom, justice, and the common good.