Germany's far-right party gains support amid demographic shifts

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party achieved significant gains in recent elections, doubling its vote share and marking the strongest performance for a far-right party in Germany since World War II. This rise is linked to demographic shifts, particularly in former East Germany. Many young people have left poorer regions for cities, creating a demographic "doom loop" of aging populations and declining services. This has led to increased support for AfD, which blames immigration for local issues and calls for reduced immigration levels. Research indicates that as emigration worsens living conditions, residents blame mainstream parties, further boosting AfD's appeal. This cycle may exacerbate challenges in regions that would benefit from immigration, impacting Germany's overall demographic and economic health.