German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is facing increasing pressure following the significant gains made by the far-right AfD in the European Union election. Despite a series of scandals surrounding the party, the AfD secured 15.9% of the vote in the preliminary results, surpassing Scholz’s SPD along with its coalition partners, the Greens and the FDP.
The SPD suffered a loss of support from the 2019 election, only managing to secure 13.9% of the latest votes. The Green party also experienced a significant decline in support, dropping from 20.5% in 2019 to 11.9% in 2024. On the other hand, the FDP saw a minor decrease in their votes, securing 5.2% in the latest poll.
The results of the election saw the CDU becoming the strongest party with 23.7% of support. This outcome dealt a severe blow to Scholz’s government, which has been dealing with a multitude of crises ranging from economic struggles to budget concerns and the rising popularity of the far right.
Challenges Faced by the AfD
Despite its electoral success, the AfD has been embroiled in controversies in recent months. The party was expelled from the right-wing Identity and Democracy alliance in the EU parliament due to remarks made by its lead candidate regarding the German Nazi regime’s SS unit. There were also allegations of spying, bribery, and money laundering involving key members of the AfD.
Weakness of the Ruling Coalition
Marcel Fratzscher, the president of the German Institute for Economic Research, highlighted the fragility of the ruling coalition in the wake of the election results. He pointed out that the coalition, which was already unstable, is further destabilized by the AfD’s gains.
Despite the challenges faced by the ruling coalition, it is unlikely that Chancellor Scholz will opt for a snap election in response to the far-right’s success. Analysts believe that none of the parties in the current coalition stand to benefit from early elections. The coalition is expected to continue despite potential setbacks in upcoming regional elections.
The European Union election results have underscored the growing influence of the far-right AfD in German politics. The gains made by the party have put Chancellor Scholz’s government under immense pressure and highlighted the vulnerabilities of the ruling coalition. As Germany navigates through these turbulent political waters, the future remains uncertain for the country’s leadership and the balance of power within its political landscape.
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