Rising right-wing extremism evident in the AfD, according to Southern observations
Markus Söder, the Bavarian Minister-President and Munich CSU leader, has made it clear that he will not consider a coalition with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in its current form.
In a recent interview on ZDF's "Berlin direct summer interview," Söder stated that the AfD would need a fundamental change in personnel, content, style, and tone, and exclude many people to be considered a viable coalition partner. He emphasized that right-wing extremism is becoming stronger within the AfD, making collaboration difficult without substantial reform within the party.
Söder's conditions for the AfD include a thorough change in its personnel and a substantial moderation or overhaul of its policy positions to move away from extremist tendencies. He suggested monitoring the AfD more closely instead of considering a coalition.
The latest Insa Sunday Trend poll shows the AfD at a record high of 25%, marking a new high since mid-May. This increase from the previous week is by one percentage point. The AfD's approval rating is higher than any of the other parties, except for the CDU and CSU combined.
The CDU and CSU maintain their 27% approval rating from the previous week, while the SPD currently has 15%, the Greens 11%, and the Left 10%.
Söder criticized the "constant panic" in Germany and blamed it for strengthening the AfD. He believes significant shifts in direction have been made in foreign policy, defense, migration, and the economy with the new government, which may have contributed to the AfD's recent gains.
The AfD's increase in approval rating is a concern for political leaders, as it indicates a growing discontent among voters. Söder's firm stance against extremism reflects his current refusal to consider the AfD as a viable coalition partner unless they reform fundamentally. There are no specifics in the available sources about particular policy changes the AfD would need beyond this general requirement for moderation and personnel renewal.
- The increase in approval rating for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) to a record-breaking 25% has raised concerns among political leaders, such as Markus Söder, who have voiced their discontent with the general news trend.
- In light of the worrisome rise, discussions about war-and-conflicts, policy-and-legislation, politics, and crime-and-justice have become increasingly prominent, as these issues play a role in the AfD's policy positions.
- Söder, having emphasized the need to combat right-wing extremism, suggests close monitoring of the AfD rather than considering them as a coalition partner, as the party requires a fundamental change in personnel and a moderate shift from their extremist tendencies on migration and other key topics.
