The AfD in Germany and Chega in Portugal: a common phenomenon of extremism?”

Germany, often seen as Europe’s engine and a first-rate economic power, has a complex history and a remarkable legacy in the 20th century. With around 84 million inhabitants, it was the center of two world wars and was home to a fiercely undemocratic political regime, which plunged Europe into a chaos of war, destruction, death and genocide. However, this same country has emerged from the ashes to become one of the most modern and pluralistic nations in the world, embracing diversity and assuming a leadership role in the European and global context.

Despite having transformed itself into a politically and culturally advanced country, Germany continues to face significant internal challenges. Reunification, after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the communist regime, did not guarantee homogeneous development throughout the country. The former East Germany remains less developed, with signs of poverty and resentment, evident in both architecture and economy, access to employment, industrialization and mentality. These inequalities, still present in 2024, are a legacy of the post-World War II division and demonstrate that the integration process is far from complete.

It is in this context of social inequalities that radicalism, extremism, hate speech and the blaming of foreign populations gain strength. These political currents do not seek solutions, they only express protests and frustrations. It was this feeling of inequality and easy protest that allowed the rise of Nazism, with the tragic consequences that followed.

The Alternative for Germany (AfD), a far-right party belonging to the same European family as Chega and at whose last congress André Ventura was one of the speakers, has grown by exploring xenophobic rhetoric and manipulation techniques reminiscent of dark times. This trend represents a threat not only to Germany, but to the whole of Europe and the European project. And it is in this sense that it becomes essential to understand the issue of the German extreme right and the “ideas and methods” that it has exported to the rest of Europe, especially in a year of European elections and when, at the end of summer and autumn, Regional parliaments will be elected in the German states of Saxony, Brandenburg and Thuringia. These states are located, interestingly, in eastern Germany, where polls point to a victory for the AfD.

It was in a conversation with two German friends that I had an important insight: Liza, 22-year-old Berliner, master’s student at Berlin’s Humboldt University and left-wing voter for the Green Party says: “The AfD is gaining popularity among young people due to general dissatisfaction in my generation. Despite knowing the dangers of right-wing extremism, I worry that many young voters who support the AfD are willing to accept or ignore far-right ideas to express their frustrations.” Stephan, from Bavaria, a 47-year-old lawyer, leader, deputy and mayor of the Liberal Party (FDP), also says: “The refugee crisis puts pressure on local authorities to provide housing, daycare centers and schools. The lack of housing, a chronic problem in many German cities, makes it difficult for refugees to integrate, causing social and political tensions. Some communities feel overwhelmed by the influx of new residents.”

The conversation made me realize that many Portuguese and Europeans ignore two crucial issues, which the president of the CDS-PP, Nuno Melo, mentioned in his speech at the party’s last congress and also in the presentation of the AD list to the European Parliament, where Sebastião Bugalho was presented. First, the importance of the upcoming European elections in the context of the war between Russia and Ukraine; second, the need to strengthen the European project. Furthermore, many do not understand the danger of extremism, whether right or left, for our society and for the future of us all. In times of war on Europe’s doorstep, understanding these problems and their negative consequences is essential for maintaining peace and stability on the continent.

In recent years, the European political landscape has changed with the emergence of movements that challenge the statusoe bring an agenda beyond traditional issues such as corruption or sexual orientation. One example is the AfD, led by Alice Weidel, a far-right homosexual woman, adoptive mother of two children, whose partner is foreign and not permanently resident in Germany. However, the main reason for the growth of the AfD is not based on these issues, but on immigration and the economic situation. If we pay attention, this is what stands out.

The industry’s transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, a change necessary to combat climate change, has brought with it a significant increase in production costs. This change had a particularly negative impact on Germany, which had built its reputation as an industrial center of excellence. The transition to green energy requires considerable investment and a profound restructuring of the industry, which could compromise German competitiveness in the short term and is a real problem that worries Germans.

At the same time, the automotive industry is facing difficulties due to the global trend of migration from combustion engines to electric mobility. Germany has not followed this change consistently, putting thousands of jobs and its position in the global car market at risk. The impact of this transition on the automotive sector already has not only economic but also social consequences, affecting entire communities that depend on this industry. There is no need to mention the enormous energy dependence that Germany has on Russia and the problems and economic impacts that the war in Ukraine brought to it.

Another significant problem is demographic development. The generation of baby boomers is entering retirement age, creating significant shortages of skilled labor. Immigration could be a solution to this gap, but Germany, unlike other European countries, has failed to adequately integrate immigrants into the job market or provide them with the necessary training. Furthermore, high taxes and social contributions make skilled labor immigration less attractive.

The German pension system, which is based on a pay-as-you-go model in which active workers support retirees, faces challenges due to the aging population and the reduced number of active workers. This demographic pressure is fertile ground for the growth of populism. The AfD has grown to exploit the discontent of many who feel that traditional parties are not solving their problems. This rise complicates the formation of majorities in the center-right — between the Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) and the FDP —, which refuses coalitions with the extreme right, creating a threat to political stability and increasing the polarization of the vote, a scenario similar to what happens in Portugal with AD and IL in relation to CH.

To face these challenges, center-right parties need to work on more effective solutions that strengthen the middle class and restore the country’s economic stability. Currently, the high tax burden is preventing young workers from advancing in their careers, making it difficult to purchase their own home or save for the future, a scenario also seen in Portugal. If Germany does not address these problems decisively, political and economic stability could be threatened in the short term.

The AfD, taking advantage of this context, launched a campaign with an anti-immigration speech. Weidel’s charismatic leadership and the party’s ability to capitalize on popular discontent through social media and youth were key factors in its rapid growth. The narrative lives from the idea that mass immigration threatened national identity and put the security of citizens at risk. Furthermore, it also explored voters’ dissatisfaction with the EU and globalization. The party defends a more nationalist and protectionist stance, claiming that Germany should prioritize national interests instead of submitting to Brussels’ decisions, a speech similar to that of Ventura in Portugal.

When making a connection with the Portuguese reality, we can observe similarities between the behavior of the AfD in Germany and Chega in Portugal. The CH has gained strength by addressing issues that go beyond corruption, gender and sexual orientation. Like the AfD, the CH has placed immigration as one of its main concerns. But it is still curious that the CH feels close to the AfD, despite its leadership representing everything that the CH claims to fight: homosexuality, same-sex marriage, the adoption of children by same-sex couples. The CH’s inconsistency and demagoguery are glaring.

The CH has argued that the uncontrolled entry of immigrants into Portugal could threaten national security and identity. Like the AfD, the CH exploits voters’ fear and insecurity, promoting the idea that immigration is responsible for problems such as rising crime, pressure on public services and the lack of integration of immigrants into Portuguese society.

Like the AfD, the CH has adopted nationalist and populist rhetoric, criticizing the EU and defending a more sovereign stance for Portugal. Ventura argues that Portugal must prioritize national interests. This message resonates with a portion of the Portuguese population that feels marginalized and disillusioned with traditional parties. However, it is important to highlight that immigration is not the only factor that explains the growth of CH in Portugal. As in Germany, the economic crisis and social inequalities play an important role.

Many voters feel excluded and disillusioned with the traditional political class (PS; PSD and CDS-PP), which seems distant from their problems and concerns; thus, the CH capitalizes on this dissatisfaction and promised to give a voice to the “forgotten”. Many argue that the anti-immigration and nationalist discourses promoted by these parties are discriminatory and harmful to social cohesion, but they continue to grow in polls and the popular vote.

The growth of the AfD in polls in recent months, reaching second place with 23% of voting intentions, has reignited the debate about the dangers that the party represents for German democracy and the European project. This debate gained even more relevance when it became known that members of the AfD participated in a meeting where a “master plan” to deport migrants and “unassimilated citizens” was discussed, reminiscent of Nazism. Although the party tried to distance itself from this event, the truth is that some of its most influential members were present, with figures associated with the neo-Nazi movement. These facts, together with the content of the “master plan”, are worrying and suggest a resurgence of dangerous ideologies in Germany and Europe.

Political stability in Europe faces increasing challenges due to the resurgence of extremist movements and the weakening of traditional leadership. With the erosion of democratic consensus, figures such as Angela Merkel and Jacques Chirac are remembered for their capacity for dialogue and compromise. In contrast, current leaders struggle to achieve the same influence, making European elections increasingly crucial in shaping the continent’s direction.

Europe is at a critical moment, with extremism and weakened leadership threatening stability. German history shows us what can happen when extremism gains ground. Challenges such as immigration, inequality and political polarization create an environment ripe for populism. The examples of the AfD, the CH and Viktor Orbán in Hungary show that hate speech and nationalist rhetoric are gaining strength, threatening the European project, which is based on values ​​of solidarity and democracy. And the issue of Ukraine continues and will continue to be present

The importance of the upcoming European elections cannot be underestimated. Voter participation is essential to elect leaders committed to social cohesion, peace and political stability. The future of the continent is at stake.