Germany: AfD marks success in state election

"With 18.8% of the vote, the AfD achieved its best election result to date in a western German state. That success is remarkable, even though the party often gains almost twice that vote share in eastern Germany. Unlike the East, Baden-Wurttemberg is an extremely economically strong region with many high-paying jobs."

"The party, which is classified by the German domestic intelligence service as a suspected right-wing extremist organization, was clearly able to score points with its anti-immigrant sentiment and its promises of mass deportations. And in the car-making state of Baden-Wurttemberg, it accused the other parties of 'treason' for allegedly focusing on alternative motors in their transport policy."

"The AfD was particularly successful among workers: According to analyses by the opinion research institute infratest-dimap, 37% of workers voted for the AfD. Structural change in the economy and fear of job losses seem to have made working people feel that the AfD is a viable option."

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured 18.8% of votes in Baden-Württemberg state elections, marking its strongest performance in western Germany. This success is significant because Baden-Württemberg is an economically prosperous region hosting major multinational corporations like Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and SAP, with a strong middle class. The AfD's gains indicate the party has moved beyond eastern Germany strongholds into affluent areas. The party capitalized on anti-immigrant sentiment and mass deportation promises. In this automotive-focused state, the AfD criticized other parties for transport policy priorities, championing gasoline engines and questioning climate change. Workers particularly supported the AfD at 37%, suggesting economic anxiety and job loss fears drive support.

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