Alternative for Germany’s core supporters are sticking with the party despite allegations of dodgy links to Russia and China.
Will the sensational allegations of espionage and dubious links to Russia and China implicating politicians of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) be the decisive blow that ends the party’s long ascent in German politics?
For many of the party’s faithful, at least, the answer is clear: The allegations, particularly those surrounding Maximilian Krah, the AfD’s lead candidate for the European election, hardly matter.
If anything, they may only deepen their loyalty.
It deflates all the arguments that the two party system is responsible for the rise of the far right, though. If parliamentary governments are also having these issues, perhaps it reflects that the populace is moving right as well.
It’s really not as simple as the center-left party needing to move to left to inspire the apathetic youth while giving up on the independent center.