Damian Boeselager, a German member of the European Parliament and a founder of the pan‑European Volt party, warned on Thursday that the growing support for the far‑right Alternative for Germany reflects deeper structural problems in German politics and the wider European system.

Polls and political context

Opinion surveys suggest the AfD could capture between 27 and 29 per cent of the vote in the upcoming federal election, a level that could overtake the centre‑right CDU/CSU led by Friedrich Merz. The party’s platform is presented as a “Germany first” market approach that lacks concrete policy proposals and repeatedly blames immigrants for economic and social problems, a tactic that historically leads to dangerous outcomes.

Underlying drivers

Boeselager attributes the surge to demographic change, stagnant real wages and a perception that the system favours inheritance over effort. An ageing population raises health‑care and pension costs, while real wages remain flat or fall, making it difficult for families to save or build wealth. He argues that wealth in Germany is still largely transferred through family ties rather than earned through upward mobility.

The German economy remains anchored in long‑standing sectors such as automotive and chemicals, and has struggled to nurture innovative start‑ups that could generate high‑value employment. By contrast, the United States relies on a small number of tech giants that drive most growth, and removing them would almost stop growth.

Political dynamics

Coalition politics built on compromise often dilute the radical reforms many citizens demand. The absence of decisive reforms on pensions, health‑care financing and labour‑market flexibility creates tension that the far‑right exploits. Boeselager also criticised the CDU/CSU for adopting anti‑migration rhetoric similar to the AfD, describing it as a strategic mistake.

A senior political scientist at the University of Bonn notes that the CDU/CSU’s stance on migration is a gamble; moving further right may lose moderate voters, while staying centrist may appear out of touch. The Social Democratic Party and the Greens have called for a progressive coalition that combines stronger social policies with ambitious climate goals to win back disillusioned voters.

Digital influence and public discourse

Digital platforms reward sensationalist content, pushing a more negative and extreme worldview. Boeselager observed that his own confrontational videos attract far more views than balanced commentary, a trend that erodes social cohesion.

European dimension

Boeselager co‑authored a petition asking the Authority for European Political Parties to examine whether the Europe of Sovereign Nations parliamentary group complies with EU fundamental values, including respect for democracy, the rule of law and human rights. He argues that a stronger European federation would diminish nationalist populism by providing social protection, green‑technology investment and a fair migration framework. The EU’s ability to pool resources for climate transition, digital infrastructure and cross‑border research demonstrates the benefits of collective problem‑solving.

Risks and recommendations

The AfD could win an absolute majority in Saxony‑Anhalt this autumn, which would be the first far‑right state majority in Germany since World War II. Trade unions have warned that wage stagnation and a weak social safety net could undermine workers’ rights if anti‑union sentiment spreads. Consumer organisations fear that the AfD’s market‑first rhetoric could lead to deregulation that harms households in energy and housing markets amid inflation. Climate‑justice groups warn that the party’s scepticism towards EU climate policies could jeopardise Germany’s renewable‑energy transition and green‑job creation.

Boeselager concluded that the AfD’s ascent is a warning sign, not an inevitability, and that addressing wage stagnation, demographic pressure, lack of reforms and a coherent European vision can restore confidence in democracy. He urged the European Parliament to act quickly on the request to review the Europe of Sovereign Nations group and called on German parties to present an inclusive programme that tackles economic inequality without scapegoating.

German voters now face a stark choice between division and short‑term populism, or a forward‑looking agenda that secures prosperity within a united Europe.