Rechtsruck

The rise of the right cracks open Germany’s image

The German election, the results of which were declared on 25 September, has delivered a devastating blow to the credibility of the country’s science base. It is shocking that the right-wing, anti-European AFD gained 12.6 per cent of votes, making it the third-biggest party.

Just days ago, it seemed inconceivable that Germany, a stalwart, pro-European bastion of engineers and rationals, would undergo such a prominent Rechtsruck, a swing towards the right. Now it has happened. Voters who flocked to the AFD were dazzled by its slogan—Alternative for Germany. The party wants less interference from the EU, fewer foreigners and more advantages for the country’s “original” population.