Edward Marchesi The rise of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Saxony-Anhalt has sparked a wave of concern in Poland. The far-right party's victory, which garnered 43,8% of the vote, prompted Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski to sound the alarm about European security.
Saxony -Anhalt saw a dramatic shift in the political landscape, with the AfD more than doubling its support compared to 2021. Meanwhile, Friedrich Merz 's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) suffered a precipitous decline, receiving just 17,2 percent , its worst result in its history in this eastern state.
Warsaw's concerns
In an interview with Handelsblatt , Sikorski expressed hope that Germany could play a strong role in European security, but warned of the dangers of a rearmed country in the wrong hands. "We want Germany to play a strong role in common security under democratic leadership and as Europe's largest economy," he said.
However, he added that “we remember all too well where a rearmed Germany in the hands of a far-Right, pro-Russian party can lead, and the AfD represents exactly that . ”
Sikorski's words reflect a deep historical concern in Poland. The country suffered German occupation during both world wars, with devastating consequences. The prospect of a far-right party in power in a militarily powerful Germany touches a still-open wound in the Polish collective memory.
Tusk's reaction and the military context
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also reacted forcefully to the AfD's victory. "Only idiots or traitors in Poland could rejoice over the AfD's success," he declared. His statement reflects the seriousness with which Warsaw views the far-right party's rise.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz promised at the start of his term in 2025 to transform the Bundeswehr into Europe's most powerful conventional force. Germany already invested $114 billion in its military last year, almost as much as France and Poland combined. Berlin is also planning further spending increases, including nearly €12 billion for long-range weapons capable of hitting military targets hundreds or thousands of kilometers away.
The AfD's positions
While Germany is strengthening its military to deter Russia, the AfD is pushing for a softer line toward Moscow. The party's parliamentary group has called for an end to German arms supplies to Ukraine and the lifting of sanctions against Russia as part of peace negotiations.
Currently, the AfD remains in opposition at the federal level, thanks to an electoral "retaining wall" that prevents mainstream political forces from collaborating with the party. This mechanism was designed to prevent a repeat of the events that brought Adolf Hitler 's Nazi Party to power in the 30s.
The political situation in Germany continues to evolve, with significant implications for European security. Tusk and Sikorski's remarks underscore the importance of a strong and democratic Germany, but also the dangers of a political shift that could jeopardize the continent's stability.