The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is a far-right political party founded in 2013 that has transformed from an anti-European Union protest movement into Germany’s most prominent right-wing populist force. The party advocates for German nationalism, opposes immigration and Islam, and has been classified as a suspected extremist organization by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency.
In 2026, the AfD represents one of the most significant political developments in post-war Germany. The party has achieved electoral breakthroughs that were previously unthinkable in a country with Germany’s historical relationship to far-right politics. Understanding what the AfD believes and how it operates is essential for anyone following contemporary European politics.
This guide explains the party’s origins, its core ideology, its electoral success, and the controversies that surround it.
Table of Contents
What Is the AfD Party in Germany?
The Alternative for Germany (Alternative für Deutschland) is a German political party positioned on the far-right of the political spectrum. It combines elements of national conservatism, right-wing populism, and Euroskepticism.
The party first entered the German federal parliament (Bundestag) in 2017 and has since become the second-largest party in national polling. This represents a historic shift in German politics, as no far-right party had achieved such prominence since the establishment of the Federal Republic in 1949.
The AfD’s rise has prompted other German political parties to maintain a “firewall” (Brandmauer) against cooperation, refusing to form coalitions with the party at any level of government.
History and Foundation (2013)
The AfD was founded in April 2013 by a group of economics professors and business figures, led by Bernd Lucke. The original impetus was opposition to German bailout policies during the Eurozone debt crisis.
The party’s initial platform focused on economic concerns: abolishing the euro currency, returning to national currencies, and opposing what members saw as German taxpayers funding weaker European economies. This message resonated with voters dissatisfied with Chancellor Angela Merkel’s handling of the Euro crisis.
However, the party underwent a dramatic transformation in 2015. The catalyst was the refugee crisis, when Germany accepted over one million asylum seekers. The AfD pivoted sharply toward anti-immigration and anti-Islam messaging, attracting a more radical membership.
In July 2015, the moderate faction led by founder Bernd Lucke split from the party, forming a new group called the Alliance for Progress and Renewal. This left the AfD firmly in the hands of the nationalist, anti-immigration wing that continues to dominate today.
Core Beliefs and Platform
The AfD’s platform rests on several interconnected ideological pillars. Understanding these beliefs is key to grasping what the party represents.
German Nationalism and Sovereignty
The party emphasizes German national identity and sovereignty above European integration. AfD advocates for Germany to reclaim decision-making power from Brussels and reduce EU influence over domestic policy.
This nationalism extends to cultural preservation. The party frames its politics around protecting “German culture” from what it portrays as external threats and internal erosion.
Euroskepticism
While the AfD has moderated its stance on leaving the euro, it remains deeply critical of the European Union. The party opposes further European integration and supports returning powers to national governments.
Social Conservatism
The AfD promotes traditional family values and opposes what it calls “gender ideology.” The party seeks to preserve conventional gender roles and opposes LGBTQ+ rights advancements, particularly regarding transgender issues.
Authoritarian Tendencies
Critics note that AfD rhetoric includes calls for restricting civil liberties, expanding police powers, and limiting press freedom. The party has questioned the independence of the judiciary and has expressed admiration for authoritarian leaders abroad.
Position on Immigration and Islam
The AfD’s most controversial positions concern immigration and Islam. These issues have become central to the party’s identity and electoral appeal.
The party’s official platform states that “Islam does not belong to Germany.” This position represents a direct rejection of the consensus that has guided German policy for decades, which acknowledged Islam as part of the country’s religious landscape.
AfD calls for banning mosque construction, restricting Islamic religious practice, and deporting criminal foreigners. The party advocates for what it terms “remigration” – the return of immigrants to their countries of origin.
The Remigration Controversy
Remigration has become a central AfD policy goal. In January 2024, investigative journalists revealed that AfD politicians had attended a secret meeting in Potsdam where neo-Nazi activists presented plans for mass deportations of immigrants, including German citizens with foreign backgrounds.
This revelation sparked nationwide protests and renewed debate about whether the AfD should be banned under Germany’s constitution, which prohibits parties that seek to undermine the democratic order.
Electoral Success and Recent Polling
The AfD’s electoral trajectory has been remarkable. After entering the Bundestag in 2017 with 12.6% of the vote, the party initially declined in support but has since surged dramatically.
In September 2024, the AfD won its first state election in Thuringia, with leader Björn Höcke capturing 32.8% of the vote. This marked the first time a far-right party had won a state election in Germany since World War II.
The party also finished second in Brandenburg and achieved strong results in other eastern states. National polling now consistently places the AfD as Germany’s second-largest party, with support around 15-20%.
However, due to the Brandmauer firewall, the AfD remains isolated from actual governing power. No other major party is willing to form coalitions with them, meaning they serve in opposition regardless of their electoral strength.
The East Germany Phenomenon
AfD support is heavily concentrated in the states of the former East Germany (German Democratic Republic). Understanding this geographic pattern is crucial to analyzing the party’s appeal.
Several factors explain the AfD’s strength in the East. Economic disappointment following reunification plays a significant role. Many East Germans feel they have not shared equally in Germany’s prosperity, with lower wages and fewer opportunities compared to the West.
Demographic factors also contribute. Younger, educated East Germans often migrate west for jobs, leaving behind older populations more receptive to populist messaging.
The legacy of the GDR also shapes political culture. East Germans have less experience with established democratic party systems and may be more willing to support political outsiders.
Key AfD Leaders
Several figures have shaped the AfD’s development and public image. Understanding these leaders helps explain the party’s internal dynamics.
Alice Weidel serves as federal co-leader and leads the party’s Bundestag faction. She represents a more polished, media-friendly face of the party, though she has made controversial statements about migrants and minorities.
Björn Höcke leads the AfD in Thuringia and is considered the most influential figure in the party’s radical wing. His use of Nazi-era terminology and Holocaust trivialization statements have drawn significant criticism and legal consequences.
Tino Chrupalla serves as federal co-leader alongside Weidel. He represents the party’s more working-class, nationalist base and has taken hardline positions on immigration.
Alexander Gauland remains an influential figure despite stepping down as co-leader. His statements defending Nazi-era soldiers and minimizing Nazi crimes have been particularly controversial.
Extremism Classification and Controversies
The AfD operates under the official classification of a suspected extremist organization by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency (BfV). This designation carries significant implications.
The BfV began monitoring the party in 2019, citing evidence of efforts to undermine Germany’s democratic order. The agency specifically noted the influence of extremist elements within the party leadership.
Several AfD members have faced legal consequences for using Nazi slogans. In 2023, a court ruled that calling Björn Höcke a fascist was protected speech given his pattern of statements. Höcke himself has faced trials for using banned Nazi phrases.
The Brandmauer Firewall
German political parties have maintained what they call a Brandmauer (firewall) against the AfD. This means refusing any cooperation with the party, including coalition governments at all levels.
The firewall has held despite AfD electoral gains, though some local politicians in eastern states have called for pragmatic cooperation. The consensus among mainstream parties remains that the AfD represents a threat to democratic norms that justifies their exclusion.
Calls for Ban
Following the 2024 Potsdam remigration meeting revelations, calls intensified for banning the AfD under Article 21 of Germany’s Basic Law, which permits outlawing parties that seek to undermine the democratic order. Germany’s previous experience with banning extremist parties provides precedent, though the threshold is high and any ban would face legal challenges.
International Relations and Foreign Policy
The AfD’s foreign policy positions place it outside Germany’s traditional consensus. These views have contributed to the party’s international isolation.
The party maintains strong pro-Russia stances. AfD leaders have opposed sanctions against Russia following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and have expressed sympathy for Vladimir Putin’s policies. This aligns the party with other European far-right parties that maintain Russian connections.
NATO skepticism is another hallmark. The AfD questions Germany’s commitment to the alliance and has suggested reducing military cooperation with Western partners.
These positions have limited the AfD’s relationships with mainstream conservative parties across Europe. While connections exist with parties like France’s National Rally and Hungary’s Fidesz, the AfD remains politically toxic even within the European right.
What Is the AfD Party and What Do They Stand For? – FAQ
What is the AfD party and what do they stand for?
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is a far-right political party founded in 2013. They stand for German nationalism, anti-immigration policies, opposition to Islam, Euroskepticism, and social conservatism. The party has been classified as a suspected extremist organization by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency.
Why is AfD considered far-right or extremist?
The AfD is considered far-right due to its nationalist ideology, anti-immigrant positions, opposition to Islam, and use of Nazi-era rhetoric. Germany’s domestic intelligence agency classifies the party as a suspected extremist organization because elements within the party seek to undermine the democratic order. Leaders have made statements trivializing the Holocaust and using banned Nazi slogans.
What are the main beliefs and policies of AfD?
The AfD advocates for German sovereignty over EU integration, strict immigration limits, opposition to Islam in Germany, traditional family values, expanded police powers, and pro-Russia foreign policy. They support deporting criminal foreigners and promote what they call ‘remigration’ – returning immigrants to their countries of origin.
What is the ‘remigration’ policy AfD advocates?
Remigration refers to the AfD’s policy goal of returning immigrants to their countries of origin. This includes not just recent refugees but also immigrants who have lived in Germany for years, and in some proposals, even German citizens with foreign backgrounds. The policy gained attention in 2026 after secret meetings revealed discussions of mass deportation plans.
Who are the key AfD leaders?
The main AfD leaders include Alice Weidel (federal co-leader and Bundestag faction head), Tino Chrupalla (federal co-leader), and Björn Höcke (Thuringia state leader). Alexander Gauland remains influential despite stepping down as co-leader. Höcke represents the radical wing while Weidel provides a more moderate public face.
What is the Brandmauer firewall against AfD?
The Brandmauer (firewall) is the policy of all other German political parties to refuse cooperation with the AfD. This means no coalition governments at any level, isolating the AfD from actual governing power despite their electoral success. The firewall is maintained because mainstream parties view the AfD as a threat to democratic norms.
How did AfD become so popular in Germany?
The AfD gained support through opposition to the Eurozone bailouts, the 2015 refugee crisis, economic dissatisfaction in eastern Germany, and general discontent with mainstream politics. Their strongest support comes from former East German states where many feel left behind economically. The party has also attracted voters concerned about immigration and cultural change.
What is AfD’s position on immigration?
The AfD opposes immigration and advocates for strict border controls, deportations of criminal foreigners, and an end to refugee resettlement. Their platform states that ‘Islam does not belong to Germany’ and they support banning mosque construction. The party promotes ‘remigration’ – returning immigrants to their countries of origin.
Conclusion: What Is the AfD Party in Germany and What Does It Believe?
The Alternative for Germany represents a significant challenge to Germany’s post-war political consensus. Founded in 2013 as an anti-EU protest party, it has evolved into a far-right nationalist movement that attracts substantial electoral support while remaining politically isolated.
The party’s core beliefs center on German nationalism, anti-immigration policies, opposition to Islam, and Euroskepticism. Its classification as a suspected extremist organization and the Brandmauer firewall reflect the seriousness of concerns about its commitment to democratic norms.
As of 2026, the AfD continues to grow in the polls, particularly in eastern Germany. Whether the firewall against cooperation holds, and whether the party can be integrated into democratic politics or must be opposed through other means, remains one of the central questions facing German democracy today.
Understanding the AfD is essential for anyone following European politics, the rise of right-wing populism, and the future of liberal democracy on the continent.