Germany’s establishment has a plan to contain the far right. Sort of.

Five outlets and Salon.com warn that the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is gaining momentum. The AfD is targeting Saxony-Anhalt as a stepping stone to federal power. Reuters and Foreign Policy both note that the AfD is exploiting regional grievances and using unconventional tactics, such as a Vespa scooter campaign, to connect with voters. The AfD’s rise is challenging Germany’s political establishment, which has traditionally relied on a “firewall” strategy to contain far-right influence.

This strategy involves mainstream parties refusing to cooperate with the AfD. However, the effectiveness of this approach is now in question. According to Reuters and dw.com, the firewall has shown signs of weakening, with some politicians and analysts questioning its long-term viability. Politico.eu notes that Germany’s establishment is exploring new strategies to counter the AfD’s influence.

These include efforts to address the root causes of voter discontent and to promote more inclusive political narratives. However, the success of these efforts remains uncertain. The AfD’s ability to tap into regional frustrations and its use of innovative campaign tactics present significant challenges to traditional political strategies.