AfD wins in German state election

In a shocking turn of events, the Alternative for Germany (AFD) party has made significant gains in the recent state election in Saxony-Anhalt, securing 44% of the vote. This is a worrying trend that's not unique to Germany, as far-right parties are rising to power across Europe.The AFD's success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the decline of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservatives and the growing discontent among voters with mainstream parties. The speaker discusses the implications of this result with Elizabeth Sidoropoulos, CEO of the South African Institute for International Affairs, who highlights the historical context of Germany's political landscape and the role of migration in shaping public opinion. The conversation also touches on the economic and cultural factors contributing to the AFD's rise.The discussion delves into the complexities of German politics, including the informal pact among mainstream parties to exclude the AFD from coalition governments. This has led to a situation where conservative parties may be forced to form coalitions with leftist parties, making it challenging to drive decisive policies. The speaker also mentions the rise of far-right parties in other European countries, such as France, and the need for a reevaluation of the traditional centre-right and centre-left parties.To gain a deeper understanding of this complex issue, listen to this episode and hear Elizabeth Sidoropoulos' insightful analysis of the AFD's success and its implications for European politics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.