** Analysis of the results of the legislative elections in Germany: the rise of the AFD and its socio -political repercussions **
The results of the recent legislative elections in Germany have sparked waves of debate across the country and beyond. With the Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU) which obtains 28.6 % of the votes and the alternative for Germany (AFD) reaching a historic score of 20.8 %, the German political landscape seems to have crossed a turning point significant. Beyond the figures, these results raise profound questions about the state of German democracy and the aspirations of its population.
### The triumph of conservatives and its historical echoes
The success of Friedrich Merz and his party, the conservatives, marks an important return to the political scene. With a score which, although immeasurable, is part of a global trend in which traditional parties dominate, the CDU/CSU relies on a message of stability and continuity. Focusing on issues such as immigration, economic security and national sovereignty resonated with a worried electorate, notably following crises past such as the Cavid-19 pandemic and the repercussions of the war in Ukraine.
### AFD ascent: a phenomenon to understand
As for AFD, and its unprecedented score, it represents a disturbing push for democratic fundamentals. Nine years after its creation, the far -right party managed to capitalize on a climate of dissatisfaction and uncertainty. Their themes – often focused on the criticism of a Europe deemed too liberal and immigration – find a growing echo. This phenomenon is observed not only in Germany, but throughout Europe, where populist parties exploit fear and dissatisfaction.
It is interesting to note a correlation with other populist movements in Europe. For example, the national rally in France and the Liga in Italy have also seen their supports grow over the years, while traditional parties are trying to remain relevant. This dynamic raises questions about the sustainability of liberal democracy, because the increasingly skeptical citizens benefit from the emergence of these very critical parties with regard to existing institutions.
### An economic and socio-demographic cleavage
To better understand these results, it is crucial to analyze socio-economic cleavages. AFD voters mainly come from economic decline regions, where deindustrialisation has left deep traces. Voters of the popular classes, far from urban centers, often feel forgotten by the political elites. Voting for AFD is perceived as a cry of despair in the face of a system that seems to have failed to represent them effectively.
In addition, the eastern regions of Germany, where the AFD has traditionally encountered stronger support, continue to be marked by a feeling of abandonment. The historical partition and the slowness of post-reunification economic transformations have caused a gap between the old and new regions. The perception that traditional parties do not provide real solutions to these concerns only implicate support for radical alternatives.
### The future of German politics
While the Conservatives strive to maintain their advance, the rising voice of AFD cannot be ignored. How will the Bundestag position itself in this new landscape? The difficulty lies in the need to form coalitions in an environment where dialogue with the far -right party has become practically impossible for the majority of other political parties.
The future challenges for the Conservatives will be to integrate dissonant voices and find a balance between AFD’s attractiveness and the security of the status quo. In addition, the future of Europe also depends on the way in which Germany, as the economic engine of the continent, will manage this rise in populism. The repercussions could be felt in the whole of the EU, because the country remains a safe of democratic values.
### Conclusion: a changing democracy
Ultimately, the results of the legislative elections in Germany in 2023 are not simply a reflection of individual electoral choices, but the mirror of a company in full change. Between the search for stability carried by the conservatives and the cry of anger of AFD voters, German democracy is due to face unpublished challenges. While the nation sails through these tumultuous waters, it is imperative for parties, voters and institutions to think about the lessons that this period offers for the future. The resilience of German democracy will be put to the test, but dialogue and understanding remain essential to give birth to a more united society.