Berlin — Rising tensions between Germany and Russia have intersected with shifting domestic political dynamics as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured a strong electoral showing in the state of Saxony-Anhalt over the weekend. The AfD, known for its pro-Russian stance, capitalized on growing skepticism among German voters toward Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s policies on Ukraine and defense spending.
In remarks last week, Russian President Vladimir V. Putin sharply criticized Chancellor Merz, accusing him of betraying German national interests by supporting Ukraine and pursuing an expensive military buildup. Putin’s comments echoed rhetoric frequently deployed by the AfD, which has urged Germany to reconsider its sanctions on Russia and resume energy imports to alleviate economic pressures. The party also blames Western leaders for the conflict in Ukraine, adopting a narrative aligned with Kremlin messaging.
AfD leaders in Saxony-Anhalt campaigned against what they see as Merkel’s neglect of domestic concerns, particularly the impact of sanctions and military expenditures on ordinary Germans. Their stance found resonance among voters dissatisfied with economic stagnation, inflation, and the continued influx of migrants over the past decade. In eastern Germany, where nostalgia for the former communist era remains strong, the party’s affinity for Russia has helped it gain substantial electoral support, making it poised to become the first far-right party to govern a German state since World War II.
Many AfD supporters expressed their opposition to aid for Ukraine. Ulrich Kasch, an 83-year-old voter in Magdeburg, said Germany should avoid involvement in the conflict and focus inward. Similarly, Ekkehard Eibs, a heating specialist on disability benefits, criticized the government’s allocation of funds to Ukraine while domestic social services faced cuts.
Chancellor Merz, facing declining approval ratings, has denounced the AfD’s rise and highlighted the Kremlin’s role in encouraging political fragmentation within Germany. He suggested Moscow celebrated the party’s electoral success, linking it directly to Russian attempts to weaken Western unity. Despite Merz’s efforts to rally public backing for arms deliveries to Ukraine and military modernization, polling shows a divided electorate. Nationwide, about 56% of Germans remain concerned about Russia and support defense rebuilding, but this figure drops significantly in former East German states, where only 31% of AfD voters in Saxony-Anhalt view Russia as a threat.
Security concerns have intensified after German authorities discovered explosive drones at Leipzig airport, which they attributed to Russian sabotage efforts. In response, Germany expelled Russian diplomats and closed Russian outposts, moves that Moscow reciprocated. Nonetheless, suspicions of interference and subversion appear to have had little impact on the AfD’s base.
Analysts note that while Russia’s government capitalizes on the vulnerabilities of Western liberal democracies, it is not solely responsible for the crisis. Stefan Meister of the German Council on Foreign Relations observed that Moscow exploits existing divisions within democratic societies to advance its interests, often via far-right and populist groups across Europe and the United States.
The AfD’s prominent display of pro-Russian symbols, such as a Russian Army mug seen in the office of Saxony-Anhalt AfD leader Hans-Thomas Tillschneider, underscores the party’s open affinity for the Kremlin. Tillschneider later posted images of celebrating with the mug, dismissing fears about Russia’s influence and auctioning the item with proceeds intended for an ethnonationalist group.
As Germany navigates its role in the Ukrainian conflict and confronts internal political realignments, the growing support for the AfD underscores the complexities facing the country amid economic challenges, security threats, and contested narratives about its place in Europe’s geopolitical landscape.