Summary of "Germany's Rightward March" Episode from Today, Explained

Podcast Information:

• Title: Today, Explained
• Host/Author: Vox
• Episode: Germany's Rightward March
• Release Date: February 24, 2025

Today, Explained delves into the recent political shifts in Germany, focusing on the significant election results and the rise of right-wing parties. Hosts Sean Rameswaram and Noel King provide an in-depth analysis of the factors driving these changes and their implications for Germany and the broader European landscape.

Election Turnout and Results

Noel King opens the episode by highlighting the unprecedented voter turnout in Germany's recent elections:

Noel King [00:01]: "Germans went to the polls this weekend and it was the biggest election turnout in a generation. More than 8 in 10 eligible voters cast a ballot."

The Conservative CDU party, led by Friedrich Merz, is poised to form the next government. Merz emphasizes the need for traditional democratic parties to take decisive action:

Friedrich Merz [00:25]: "We must be capable of acting again quickly so that we can do the right thing in Germany."

Rise of the Alternative for Germany (AfD)

The election saw the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) secure second place with approximately 20% of the vote, marking a significant presence in the Bundestag. Nina Hasa, Deutsche Welle’s chief political correspondent, provides context on the AfD's evolution:

Nina Hasa [05:21]: "They have gone from being an economy-focused, financial policy party to being an anti-immigrant, pro-Russia, pro-China party."

The AfD's transformation and growing support have raised alarms given Germany's historical context and current geopolitical challenges.

Key Issues Influencing the Election

Several core issues influenced the election outcome:

1. Immigration: Merz has adopted a more hardline stance on immigration, resonating with voters seeking clarity and control over Germany's borders.

   Nina Hasa [03:56]: "He's adopted a much more hardline stance on immigration, for example, and that has been one of the key issues for him in this election campaign."

2. Economy: Germany's sluggish economy prompted voters to seek change, with the Conservatives promising economic revitalization.

   Nina Hasa [04:09]: "They want the German economy to get going again. Germany's economy is very sluggish at the moment and these were the core topics that the Conservatives focused on and won."

3. Foreign Policy and Ukraine: The government's handling of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent challenges played a pivotal role.

   Nina Hasa [04:06]: "Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine... the conservatives used that to their advantage."

Implications of the AfD's Success

The AfD's rise to the second-largest party in the Bundestag carries significant implications:

• Legislative Influence: As the second-strongest group, the AfD can influence committee agendas and parliamentary debates.

  Nina Hasa [09:22]: "They're now the second strongest political group in the parliament... shaping the debate in Parliament."

• Potential Constitutional Challenges: With the AfD and other opposition parties, there exists the possibility of blocking fundamental changes to Germany's constitution.

  Nina Hasa [09:22]: "The AfD, together with the far left, Die Linke, can now block that."

Despite their influence, Merz has firmly stated that the AfD will not be part of the governing coalition:

Nina Hasa [11:01]: "The AfD is not going to get into government... all the democratic parties have ruled out collaborating with them."

Controversial Endorsements and External Influences

The episode discusses controversial support for the AfD from notable figures:

• Elon Musk: The unelected Vice President of the United States expressed support for the AfD, enhancing their visibility.

  Nina Hasa [07:36]: "They were hoping for an unstable German government under Friedrich Merz... they have their eyes on 2029."

• J.D. Vance: America's elected Vice President publicly criticized Germany's approach to the AfD, advocating for broader free speech protections.

  J.D. Vance [20:55]: "Where police have carried out raids against citizens suspected of posting anti-feminist comments online as part of combating misogyny on the Internet."

These endorsements have sparked debate about the intersection of free speech and the rise of far-right movements in Germany.

Responses to External Criticism

Constanze Stelzenmuller, Director at the Brookings Institution, provides insights into the German perspective on external criticisms:

Constanze Stelzenmuller [17:50]: "Germany has very special rules for prohibiting parties and for hate speech because of its history... it was necessary to prescribe statements that declared allegiance to an ideology that had not just been toxic, but literally murderous."

She explains the German legal framework aimed at preventing the resurgence of extremist ideologies, emphasizing the distinction from the American constitutional emphasis on free speech.

Future Outlook for Germany

Looking ahead, Nina Hasa outlines the challenges Friedrich Merz faces in forming a stable government:

Nina Hasa [12:01]: "He has a lot of challenges ahead of him."

Additionally, the presence of the AfD ensures that Germany's political landscape will remain complex, with potential for increased polarization and legislative hurdles.

Conclusion

The episode "Germany's Rightward March" provides a comprehensive overview of the shifting political dynamics in Germany, highlighting the rise of the AfD and its implications for both national and international politics. Through expert analysis and direct quotes from key figures, Today, Explained offers listeners a nuanced understanding of the factors driving Germany's current political climate and the challenges that lie ahead.

Notable Quotes:

• Friedrich Merz [00:25]: "We must be capable of acting again quickly so that we can do the right thing in Germany."

• Nina Hasa [05:21]: "They have gone from being an economy-focused, financial policy party to being an anti-immigrant, pro-Russia, pro-China party."

• J.D. Vance [20:55]: "Where police have carried out raids against citizens suspected of posting anti-feminist comments online as part of combating misogyny on the Internet."

• Constanze Stelzenmuller [17:50]: "Germany has very special rules for prohibiting parties and for hate speech because of its history."

This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, providing a clear and detailed overview for those who have not listened to the original podcast.