Merkel’s sharp rebuke of the AfD and the state of European populism
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has delivered a pointed critique of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), calling the party a “menschenverachtende Partei” — a dehumanizing force that stands in stark opposition to the country’s constitutional values. In a ZDF interview, Merkel traced the AfD’s trajectory from its euro crisis origins to a revival in late 2014, when it linked itself to the anti-immigrant Pegida movement. For her, the episode exposed the dark undercurrents of modern populism: envy, hatred, and racism.
The core accusation: elites, the people, and the Basic Law
Merkel argued that the AfD seeks to redraw the social contract by dividing society into “elites” and “the people,” and by drawing distinctions about who belongs to the latter. “That is simply against the Basic Law,” she said, reminding viewers that democracy in Germany rests on the principle that all power derives from the people and that the people are all German citizens, regardless of background. The one-time ruling party warned that such rhetoric undercuts inclusive citizenship and corrodes constitutional norms.
Populism beyond the East: a pan-European challenge
Merkel stressed that populist currents are not confined to the former East Germany or to any single region. They exist in the old federal states as well, where social and economic grievances can foster anti-establishment voices. She pointed to parallels across Europe—France and other countries—and even to far-reaching manifestations in the United States. The message, she suggested, is not unique to Germany but part of a broader trend that thrives on disenchanted voters and fear-driven narratives.
The role of social media and the demand for accountability
In Merkel’s view, digital platforms often reward the most radical voices. The algorithmic amplification of provocative content can drown out calmer, fact-based discourse. “We need to distinguish truths from feelings and regulate digital media,” she argued, calling for thoughtful regulation that protects democratic deliberation without stifling legitimate expression. The statement underscores a central policy tension in many European democracies grappling with online misinformation and political polarization.
Refugees, openness, and the AfD’s ascent: weighing the legacy
As chancellor, Merkel opened Germany’s doors to hundreds of thousands of refugees in 2015, a decision that became a defining moment of her tenure. When confronted with the migrant crisis elsewhere in Europe, she chose to keep Germany’s borders relatively open, famously declaring, Wir schaffen das — “We can do this.” In later years, she acknowledged that this policy, controversial at the time, helped fuel support for the AfD by reinforcing narratives of national strain and cultural threat. Merkel’s own reflection highlights the difficult trade-offs leaders face when seeking humanitarian openness while safeguarding social cohesion.
What comes next for German democracy and European politics
Merkel’s interview arrives at a moment when European democracies confront rising populism, social fragmentation, and the challenge of regulating online discourse. Her insistence that political disagreement must stay within the bounds of constitutional principles—and that propaganda that dehumanizes segments of society cannot be normalized—speaks to a broader struggle: sustaining trust in institutions, while adapting to a rapidly changing information environment. Her remarks invite voters and policymakers alike to consider how to balance open debate, inclusive citizenship, and safeguards against extremism in the digital age.
