The recent European Union election results have sparked concern for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz as the far-right party, AfD, has made significant gains despite facing various scandals. The AfD’s success in securing 15.9% of the vote has surpassed Scholz’s SPD along with their coalition partners, the Greens and the FDP. This outcome has intensified the pressure on Scholz and his government as they continue to struggle with a series of crises ranging from economic challenges to concerns about the growing popularity of the far right.
The SPD experienced a decrease in support compared to the 2019 election, with just 13.9% of the latest votes. Similarly, the Green party saw a sharp decline in support, dropping from 20.5% in 2019 to 11.9% in 2024. The FDP, on the other hand, only witnessed a minor decrease in their support, securing 5.2% of the votes in the latest poll. These incremental gains have shifted Germany’s opposition, the CDU, into the position of the strongest party with 23.7% support.
Despite the AfD’s success in the election, the party has been embroiled in various scandals and controversies. Last month, the party was expelled from the right-wing Identity and Democracy (ID) alliance in the EU parliament after controversial statements made by their lead candidate. Additionally, allegations of bribery and money laundering linked to Russia were made against the AfD’s second-in-line for the European Parliament. These incidents have tarnished the party’s reputation and raised concerns about their integrity.
The recent election results have exposed the weakness of the ruling coalition in Germany. According to Marcel Fratzscher, president of the German Institute for Economic Research, the results have destabilized an already fragile coalition. Despite the challenges faced by Scholz’s government, it is unlikely that he will opt for a snap election following the far-right’s success. Analysts predict that the coalition will continue to push forward, even in the face of potential setbacks in upcoming regional elections in September.
The rise of the AfD in the European Union election poses a significant threat to Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his government. The party’s unexpected success, coupled with the decline in support for coalition parties, highlights the growing influence of the far right in German politics. As Scholz navigates through these challenges, it will be crucial for him to address the concerns raised by the AfD’s rise and work towards strengthening the stability of the ruling coalition.
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