Surge in Support for AfD Following Fatal Knife Attack in Germany
The anti-immigration party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), is expected to see a surge in support following a fatal knife attack carried out by a Syrian immigrant whose asylum was denied. The incident, which resulted in three deaths, has sparked a debate over immigration policies ahead of regional elections next Sunday in Germany’s Saxony and Thueringia regions. The AfD is predicted to perform well in these elections.
Details of the Knife Attack
A 26-year-old Syrian asylum-seeker turned himself into police, claiming responsibility for the knife attack in Solingen that left three dead and eight wounded. The attack took place during a festival marking the city’s 650th anniversary. The Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that the attacker targeted Christians to avenge Muslims in Palestine and everywhere. However, this claim could not be independently verified.
Implications for Upcoming Regional Elections
The attack has intensified the debate over immigration ahead of regional elections in Germany’s Saxony and Thueringia regions. The populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) is expected to perform well in these elections. Reuters reports that Thuringia and Saxony will vote on September 1, followed by Brandenburg on September 22. The three states combined account for 10% of Germany’s population.
AfD's Rising Popularity
The far-right AfD is expected to emerge as the strongest party in these elections. This surge in support for the AfD is indicative of mounting frustration with incumbents, anxiety about Germany’s military support for Ukraine, and lingering divisions between east and west more than three decades after reunification.
Government Future in Danger
The future of the German government is in danger due to the upcoming regional elections. The only possible coalitions that could keep the AfD out of government appear to be an alliance between the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW). However, this alliance is likely to be difficult due to political differences.
SPD on the Brink of Extinction
The SPD is hovering around 5 percent in opinion polls in both Saxony and Thuringia, which is the threshold to have any representation in Government. This does not bode well for the future of the SPD.
National Elections
The next national election has been set for September 28, 2025. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has announced that he will run for a second term, but support for his SPD party has collapsed. The famed traffic light coalition is unworkable with combined support down to 48.5 percent.
Bottom Line
The surge in support for the AfD following the fatal knife attack in Germany is indicative of the growing frustration and anxiety over immigration policies and military support in the country. With the SPD on the brink of extinction and the future of the German government in danger, it will be interesting to see how these issues will play out in the upcoming regional and national elections. What are your thoughts on this matter? Feel free to share this article with your friends and discuss. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.
