Alice Weidel, AfD's top candidate, proudly declared, "We have achieved a historic result," addressing cheering supporters in Berlin on Monday (Feb 24, 2025). She also emphasized that AfD is now "firmly anchored" in Germany’s political landscape and is stronger than ever at the national level.
AfD’s Rise and Aspirations for Government Inclusion
With this record-breaking result, AfD is more optimistic than ever about its future, including the hope of one day entering the government. However, Friedrich Merz of the CDU/CSU once again rejected Weidel’s offer for collaboration, standing firm in his opposition to an alliance with the party, which describes itself as "conservative-libertarian."
AfD is known for its ultra-conservative platform, which includes hardline stances on immigration, multiculturalism, and Islam. The party also voices skepticism about climate change and is frequently linked to pro-Russian narratives in the context of the Ukraine war.
Criticism and Challenges from Mainstream Parties
Despite their significant victory, AfD continues to face strong criticism from many in Germany. The party's efforts to downplay its extreme rhetoric regarding Nazi history and the Holocaust have led to surveillance by state security agencies and made it a target of mass protests.
In the former communist East Germany, AfD scored over 30% of the vote, while in the western regions, the party has been increasingly accepted by voters. Alice Weidel's personal story—living with a Sri Lankan-born woman and raising two children with her, along with her years spent working in China—has softened AfD’s image for some.