AfD Rebrands: Expanding Its Base in Western Germany

In a strategic move, the AfD seeks to broaden its appeal beyond its Eastern stronghold by presenting a refined version of its controversial message.

 

On a sunny afternoon in Duisburg, a city once synonymous with Germany's steel production, political discussions unfolded in local shops. Alan Imamura, a key member of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), was engaging with residents in what previously felt like an unwelcoming environment. Just a few years ago, as a representative of a party recently labeled extremist by Germany’s domestic intelligence, Imamura experienced hostility—yet, today, he found encouragement from the community.

While the AfD primarily draws its supporters from the former East Germany, it has made significant inroads into the West over the past few years. In the recent federal elections, specific neighborhoods in Imamura's district showcased a surge in AfD support, nearing 40 percent of votes cast. “It’s so different,” he commented, reflecting on a landscape that has drastically shifted since he began his political career.

Originally established as a skeptic party of the euro, the AfD has since morphed into a platform criticizing immigrants and refugees, leading to its classification as extremist. A confidential intelligence report revealed a profound xenophobic attitude among its leadership, citing inflammatory rhetoric from leaders like Bjorn Höcke. Höcke has been known to revive rhetoric reminiscent of Nazi slogans and has advocated for severe deportations.

The AfD’s attempts to sanitize its image while retaining its core agenda hint at a complex transitional phase as they try to navigate the political landscape of modern Germany.