Christian Machek, an Austrian Belgian citizen living in Berlin, attended a rally for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in the city. Despite his geographical distance from the United States, Machek identifies as a supporter of both the AfD and former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The AfD achieved a significant victory in a recent regional election in Saxony-Anhalt, where the party is labeled as right-wing extremist by local intelligence authorities. President Trump took to social media to applaud the AfD’s success, which Machek appreciated, noting his involvement with the party in the German parliament.
As the Berlin state election approaches, the AfD is trailing just three points behind the leading party based on a recent survey. Machek, who is also affiliated with Europa Aeterna, a conservative political group rooted in Christianity, believes that the AfD promotes patriotism and optimism for the future, paralleling his admiration for Trump as a charismatic figure who fosters national pride.
Despite falling slightly short of an absolute majority in Saxony-Anhalt, the AfD stands a chance of becoming the first far-right party to govern a German state post-World War II. Typically, German governments operate through coalitions, necessitating cooperation from other parties for the AfD to govern effectively.
The AfD’s cultural policies draw inspiration from Trump, with the party emphasizing a slogan reminiscent of Trump’s “Make America Great Again.” While the AfD’s core beliefs predate Trump, the U.S. president’s strategies have influenced populist movements globally, including the AfD, in gaining mainstream acceptance.
The AfD’s stance on immigration mirrors some of the stringent policies implemented during the Trump administration. In Saxony-Anhalt, the party proposes measures such as revoking citizenship for immigrant offenders and enhancing deportation facilities, echoing Trump’s rhetoric from his time in office.
Anne-Christin Richter, a resident of Saxony-Anhalt, shares concerns about rising division in her community, potentially fueled by the AfD’s anti-immigration rhetoric. Noting parallels with her observations during Trump’s presidency in the U.S., Richter warns against the normalization of racist sentiments.
If the AfD secures power in Saxony-Anhalt, it aims to reshape cultural and educational policies, advocating for a patriotic transformation in society. The party’s manifesto aligns with Trump’s initiatives, particularly promoting classical architecture in public buildings and revising history lessons to highlight national achievements.
Despite some AfD members’ affinity for Trump, the former president remains widely unpopular in Germany. While Trump’s endorsement may boost the AfD’s visibility, experts caution that aligning with a controversial foreign leader could have negative repercussions for the party’s reputation and long-term objectives.
The ideological similarities between the AfD and Trump’s movement, characterized by nationalist tendencies, may initially unite them but could ultimately lead to divisions within nations and strain international relationships.
Funding for this report was partially provided by the Gordon Sinclair Roving Reporter Bursary.