Far Right Normalisation in Germany Threatens Democracy 2026

The far right is becoming normalised in Germany, and its recent electoral success serves as a warning for democracies worldwide, including Australia. The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) won almost 44% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt, more than doubling its previous result and finishing far ahead of the Christian Democrats. This victory is part of a troubling global trend of democratic backsliding.

AfD's Electoral Success in Saxony-Anhalt

The recent win for the AfD in Germany is shocking, except it’s not shocking. The writing has been on the wall for quite some time. Last Sunday, the far-right, pro-Russian and anti-immigration AfD won almost 44% of the vote in the election in Saxony-Anhalt, a largely rural state in the former East Germany. This result more than doubled its previous result and finished far ahead of the Christian Democrats. It sits within a troubling global trend.

Global Democratic Backsliding

In 2025, nearly one in four countries worldwide experienced democratic backsliding, with Europe and North America home to six of the 10 countries newly identified as autocratising, including Italy, the UK and the US. Despite the cultural and historical differences, Australia is not immune. We cannot afford to be complacent.

Research in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

This time last year, I travelled to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, a predominantly rural region in Germany’s north-east, to examine the culture of the far right and its counter-responses as part of my research. Like Saxony-Anhalt, it’s an area where the AfD has significant support. My colleagues and I spent days walking the streets of towns and cities, including Rostock and Greifswald, as well as attending an anti-fascist music festival. We wanted to understand how extremism was encountered and expressed in everyday life. But what we found, or more precisely did not find, surprised us.

Implications for Australia

Australia should take heed. The normalisation of far-right politics in Germany is a cautionary tale. While Australia has its own unique political landscape, the underlying factors that fuel far-right support—such as economic insecurity, cultural anxiety, and distrust in institutions—are present. It is crucial to address these issues proactively to prevent a similar trajectory.

Key Takeaways

• The AfD's win in Saxony-Anhalt reflects a broader trend of far-right normalisation in Germany.
• Democratic backsliding is a global phenomenon, affecting even established democracies.
• Australia must not be complacent and should learn from Germany's experience.
• Understanding the root causes of far-right support is essential to countering it.

Comparison of Far-Right Support

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