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4. German Political Turbulence Following AfD Surge - JUDY DEMPSEY &THADDEUS MCCOTTER 090926
10 September 2026

4. German Political Turbulence Following AfD Surge - JUDY DEMPSEY &THADDEUS MCCOTTER 090926

The John Batchelor Show

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1890 SAXONY

German Political Turbulence Following AfD Surge
Judy Dempsey analyzes the political shockwaves caused by the Alternative for Germany (AfD) securing nearly 44% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt. This outcome has pressured Chancellor Friedrich Merz to defend democratic institutions while maintaining the CDU's strict firewall against forming coalitions with the populist party. Dempsey highlights that AfD's success relies heavily on strong TikTok engagement by young figures like Ulrich Siegmund, appealing to middle-aged men and youth. Although AfD's platform promotes anti-refugee sentiment and hostility toward the EU, Dempsey warns that anti-EU policies would undermine Germany's economic foundation. (4)