The right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has reportedly removed controversial anti-immigration policies such as ‘remigration’ and ‘German guiding culture’ from its platform, signaling a shift in strategy to appeal to moderate voters and demonstrate its governing capability ahead of the 2029 federal elections. This comes amid the party’s rising popularity, having secured 26% support in recent polls.
Founded in 2013, the AfD has steadily gained traction amid the ongoing migrant crisis in Germany, finishing second in the February federal elections with 152 seats in the 630-seat Bundestag. The party’s decision to scale back its rhetoric marks an attempt to broaden its appeal beyond its traditional base of hardline supporters. With the upcoming regional elections in 2025, the AfD aims to consolidate its influence through these measured political changes, which also include adopting a code of conduct for its lawmakers.
The updated program calls for an end to asylum-granting to refugees at the border, tougher naturalization requirements, and less social welfare for migrants. The party also reportedly seeks to slash taxes, lift a self-imposed ban on the use of nuclear power plants, and restore the Nord Stream pipelines, which were destroyed by a targeted underwater explosion in 2022. Berlin has since ruled out restoring them to operation.
According to Bild, the right-wingers want Germany’s foreign policy to be guided by the motto ‘Germany first,’ which would presumably entail an end to weapons deliveries to Ukraine and the lifting of sanctions against Russia. In a post on X on Sunday, the AfD Bundestag group revealed that its members had convened for a ‘closed meeting’ over the weekend to set ‘political goals for the coming period.’