Uwarunkowania sukcesu Alternatywy dla Niemiec w nowych krajach związkowych
Determinants of success of Alternative for Germany in new federal states

Summary/Abstract: Since its formation in 2013, Alternative for Germany (AfD) has achieved a rapid success which is rather uncommon in politics. Within ten years of its operation, its political profile has undergone a considerable transition. From a Eurosceptic organization, it has evolved into a party of social protest, bringing together citizens who are critical of the functioning of the federal government. In terms of its political platform, it has gone sharply to the right, but it has also done so literally as its area of interest has migrated to the east of the country. The aim of this article is to discuss the phenomenon of AfD on the German political scene. The main hypothesis states that AfD finds favourable conditions for its political activity in the new Lands due to the residents’ declining spirits. The reasons for this situation stem from the disappointment of citizens with the political, economic and social development of this part of Germany following the reunification in 1990. This is also the result of the recent events (including the war in Ukraine, rising costs and inflation, the mass influx of refugees) and underlying concerns about the situation getting worse in the future. According to the research, AfD leaders skilfully prey on the uncertainty and lack of self-efficacy of East Germans, effectively handle their discontent, and turn it into another electoral success. This article examines the factors influencing East German voters’ support for AfD. The study, for the most part German-language based, in addition to the source literature refers to documents, statistical data, opinion poll results, experts and politicians’ commentaries, as well as press articles.

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