Landtagswahlen: Stärkste Kraft in zwei Bundesländern: Warum die AfD trotzdem noch lange keine Volkspartei ist

The AfD has been winning significant elections in two federal states, Saxe-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and has become the strongest party in both. However, this alone does not qualify them as a new "Volkspartei," or people's party. Political scientists question whether the AfD has met the requirements to be considered a Volkspartei, which they argue should include moderate positions and the ability to integrate into the political center.

While the AfD has gained support across various social groups, it lacks overall societal acceptance and coalition power. The party's leader, Alice Weidel, claims their party has already taken the position of a Volkspartei, but this is disputed by political scientists Oliver Lembcke and Marcel Lewandowsky. Lembcke argues that the AfD has failed to provide societal acceptance and coalition power, while Lewandowsky contends that the term "Volkspartei" describes more than just a popular party, including moderate positions and integration into the political center.

Despite the AfD's strong showings in elections, they have faced a dilemma in that they can gain the most votes but cannot form a government due to a lack of coalition partners. The AfD faces challenges in becoming a Volkspartei, as they have yet to demonstrate the required societal acceptance and integration into the political center.

The CDU, which has struggled in elections due to the AfD's rise, may struggle to find common ground with the AfD, potentially damaging their own reputation as a Volkspartei.