Germany's far right gains strength amid Scholz's coalition struggles

The recent regional elections in Germany have highlighted the growing strength of the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, which achieved a significant milestone by winning a regional election for the first time since World War II. In Brandenburg, the SPD narrowly avoided a first-place finish for the AfD, benefiting from tactical voting. However, the coalition government led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz is facing severe challenges, with the Greens struggling to gain parliamentary representation and the Free Democratic Party (FDP) nearly disappearing from the political landscape. The political dynamics in eastern Germany have contributed to the AfD's rise, particularly among younger voters, where it secured first place in every voting cohort under 60. The SPD's state premier, Dietmar Woidke, managed to retain his position by distancing himself from Scholz and the national party, indicating a lack of confidence in the federal leadership. This situation reflects a broader discontent with the coalition's performance. The coalition, often referred to as the “traffic light” coalition, has been plagued by internal divisions and disagreements, particularly regarding public investment and economic policies. FDP finance minister Christian Lindner's refusal to support necessary public investment has exacerbated anxieties amid job losses and factory closures in the automotive sector, further complicating the coalition's stability. As the political landscape shifts, the rise of the AfD and other parties poses a significant challenge to Scholz's government, which risks becoming increasingly dysfunctional. With federal elections approaching, the coalition partners are likely to engage in blame-shifting, and Scholz may continue to be viewed as a scapegoat for the coalition's failures.