Key Takeaways:
- Germany’s far-right party AfD doubled its vote share to 20.2%, becoming the second-largest party.
- The ruling socialist party, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, suffered its worst election result since WWII with just 16%.
- The centrist-conservative CDU won the most votes (28.8%) but chose to partner with socialists over AfD.
- Immigration and Islam are major issues in Germany, with rising migrant-related crimes and tensions.
- Europe faces a cultural and demographic crisis, with low birth rates and growing Muslim populations.
- Far-right parties across Europe are gaining traction as they sound the alarm on these challenges.
Far-Right Surge in Germany: A Warning Sign for Europe
In recent German elections, the far-right party AfD (Alternative for Germany) shocked the political establishment by doubling its vote share to 20.2%. This made AfD the second-largest party in the country. Meanwhile, Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s socialist party sank to its worst performance since World War II, winning just 16% of the vote. The centrist-conservative CDU (Christian Democratic Union) came out on top with 28.8%, but its leader, Friedrich Merz, announced plans to form a coalition with the socialists rather than work with AfD.
These results reflect growing concerns in Germany over immigration and Islam. Many voters are frustrated with the government’s handling of these issues, which they believe are undermining the country’s stability and identity.
Merkel’s Legacy: How Immigration Changed Germany
The roots of Germany’s immigration crisis can be traced back to 2015, when former Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomed over a million Syrian refugees. While the move was praised for its humanitarian intent, it has had far-reaching consequences. Today, Germany accepts half of all asylum-seekers in Europe, with 300,000 arriving in 2023 alone. The number of migrants relying on government benefits skyrocketed by 169% last year.
But the influx of migrants has not solved Germany’s economic problems. Instead, it has introduced new challenges. Jihadist attacks and violent crimes linked to migrants have become more common. In December, a car-ramming attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg killed 10 people and injured 34. Similar attacks have occurred in Munich and Aschaffenburg, raising fears among citizens.
Knife attacks, in particular, have become a daily occurrence in Germany. Between 2021 and 2023, there were over 14,000 reported incidents. Migrants, who make up just 2.5% of the population, were responsible for 13.1% of all sexual assaults in 2021. These statistics have fueled public anger and skepticism toward the government’s immigration policies.
Europe’s Larger Struggle: Immigration and Identity
Germany’s problems are part of a broader crisis sweeping Europe. As author Douglas Murray argues in The Strange Death of Europe, the continent is grappling with unchecked immigration and the erosion of its Judeo-Christian heritage. For centuries, Christianity shaped Europe’s culture and values. But today, the EU’s 2004 Constitution doesn’t even mention the religion, reflecting a growing secularism.
This spiritual vacuum has been filled by Islam. In France, a new mosque opens every two weeks, while churches close at the same rate. There are now over 2,500 mosques in a country once known as the heart of Christendom. Meanwhile, the number of Muslims in England and Wales grew from 1.5 million to 2.7 million between 2001 and 2011. Illegal immigration has pushed these numbers even higher.
Europe’s low birth rates are making the situation worse. German women have an average of 1.35 children, far below the replacement level of 2.1. In contrast, Muslim women in Britain and France have a fertility rate of 2.9. This demographic shift is reshaping the continent’s future, with many Europeans worrying about the loss of their cultural identity.
The Rise of Antisemitism and Jihadist Violence
The growing Muslim population in Europe has also led to a surge in antisemitism. Jewish communities are facing increasing threats, from violent attacks to public harassment. In London, thousands of Muslims marched through the streets this summer, chanting, “Jews, the Army of Muhammad is coming to kill you too.” Shockingly, the British government ignored this blatant display of hatred, even as it cracks down on Christians who share their faith in public.
Jihadist violence has become a grim reality in Europe. Attacks like the 2016 Bastille Day massacre in Nice, where a jihadi drove a truck into a crowd, killing 86 people, are no longer isolated incidents. In the U.S., similar tragedies have occurred, such as the New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans, where a man drove while “Quran-impaired” and killed 14 people.
A Call to Action: Preserving Western Values
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, often labeled as far-right, has issued a powerful warning. “We need to recover awareness of who we are,” she said. “Western values—born from Greek philosophy, Roman law, and Christian humanism—are the key to solving future problems.” Meloni’s words resonate with many Europeans who feel their leaders have abandoned the continent’s heritage.
Even though AfD has faced criticism for its fringe supporters, it has at least sounded the alarm on immigration and Islam. As Winston Churchill once said during World War II, “If Hitler invaded hell, I would make at least a favorable reference to the Devil in the House of Commons.” Sometimes, unlikely allies are necessary to confront greater threats.
Europe’s far-right parties may not have all the answers, but they are forcing a long-overdue conversation about the future of the West. If leaders fail to address these challenges, the consequences could be catastrophic—not just for Germany, but for the entire continent.