{
  "id": 6150547,
  "title": "Germany contemplates far right’s return to power, but will the 'firewall' come down?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/germany-contemplates-far-rights-return-to-power-but-will-the-firewall-6150547",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-07T15:26:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/2026/09/07/germany-contemplates-far-rights-return-to-power-but-will-the-firewall-come-down/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The potential rise of the far right in Germany has sparked concern and unrest. After the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party won a substantial victory in an eastern state, the prospect of far-right rule for the first time since the Nazi era is a stark reality. The AfD's manifesto focused on crime, immigration, and the traditional family. Their slogan, \"no to the muezzin and the minaret,\" reflected their aim to curb Islamic influence.\n\nThe AfD's strong showing in the election, with a record 44% of the vote, has left many dismayed and without a clear response. Some have called for a ban on the party, but this seems unrealistic due to political considerations. Instead of calling for a ban, some advocate for real reforms from the German government rather than what they see as the erosion of the welfare state.\n\nThe AfD's potential state government would have powers over education, policing, and deportations, along with a voice in the chamber of regional leaders. This could lead to challenges in areas like education, policing, and immigration. However, there are concerns that an anti-immigration push could face resistance from German industry, which relies on a skilled workforce.\n\nThe state of Saxony-Anhalt, where the AfD had its biggest win, is part of the former communist East, where populist parties have traditionally thrived. The people there feel that \"nothing is moving\" and that conditions have not changed for 30 years. The AfD's success in this region is attributed to a sense of stagnation and a desire for change.\n\nWhile some have called for the replacement of the \"firewall\" policy of refusing cooperation with the AfD with \"red lines\" for a potential deal, the idea of banning the party altogether seems unlikely. The AfD's flexibility and ability to say what their supporters want to hear has made them a formidable force in German politics. The recent election result has put pressure on Chancellor Merz, who has ruled out cooperation with the AfD. The AfD's rise has reignited discussions about the country's history and the dangers of fascism, as the country grapples with the implications of a far-right party gaining power for the first time since the Nazi era.",
  "summary": "A wall coming down was once cause for celebration in Berlin. But on Monday, the potential breach of the “firewall” keeping the far right out of power since 1945 put German politics in a very different mood. After the anti-Islam Alternative for Germany (AfD) party romped to victory in an eastern state, the prospect is real of the far right ruling part of Germany for the first time since the Nazi…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "Germany contemplates far right’s return to power, but will the 'firewall' come down?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/germany-contemplates-far-rights-return-to-power-but-will-the-firewall",
        "published": "2026-09-07T15:26:57.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}