The Hard Euroscepticism of Alternative for Germany (AfD)
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This study examines the positions of the political party Alternative for Germany (AfD) on European integration and the European Union (EU). It focuses on the party’s representation in the European Parliament and its evolving views on German EU membership. These issues are analyzed in the context of AfD’s shift toward the far right, which involves its embrace of nativist and authoritarian positions. Initially, the party was largely seen as Eurosceptic, as its program criticized the EU and the common currency, the euro. Its early stance can be described as soft Euroscepticism, as it did not advocate Germany leaving the EU. However, its recent rightward shift culminated in its endorsement of a “Dexit” (German exit from the EU). This study explores the distinction between soft and hard Euroscepticism and examines the relationship between populism and Euroscepticism – particularly how AfD’s populism shapes its EU positions. The analysis includes the 2019 and 2024 European election platforms, and AfD’s 2024 candidate roster. The findings of this study reveal a strong link between the party’s ideological shift to the far right and its move to hard Euroscepticism.
Abstract
This study examines the positions of the political party Alternative for Germany (AfD) on European integration and the European Union (EU). It focuses on the party’s representation in the European Parliament and its evolving views on German EU membership. These issues are analyzed in the context of AfD’s shift toward the far right, which involves its embrace of nativist and authoritarian positions. Initially, the party was largely seen as Eurosceptic, as its program criticized the EU and the common currency, the euro. Its early stance can be described as soft Euroscepticism, as it did not advocate Germany leaving the EU. However, its recent rightward shift culminated in its endorsement of a “Dexit” (German exit from the EU). This study explores the distinction between soft and hard Euroscepticism and examines the relationship between populism and Euroscepticism – particularly how AfD’s populism shapes its EU positions. The analysis includes the 2019 and 2024 European election platforms, and AfD’s 2024 candidate roster. The findings of this study reveal a strong link between the party’s ideological shift to the far right and its move to hard Euroscepticism.