commentary
Friedrich Merz's "firewall" hasn't stopped the rise of the ultra-MAGA AfD. It's time for a new strategy
Acting Editor in Chief
Published
August 23, 2026 9:00AM (EDT)
Friedrich Merz's "firewall" hasn't stopped the rise of the ultra-MAGA AfD. It's time for a new strategy
commentary
Friedrich Merz's "firewall" hasn't stopped the rise of the ultra-MAGA AfD. It's time for a new strategy
Acting Editor in Chief
Published
August 23, 2026 9:00AM (EDT)

The far-right AfD is set to perform well in elections in September in its political heartland in the eastern part of the country.

The AfD’s growing popularity is putting the chancellor in a historically weak position even as he pursues sweeping reforms.

A series of incremental reforms pushed through by the chancellor is unlikely to deliver the political inflection point needed to…

STUTTGART, Germany: Chancellor Friedrich Merz vowed on Friday not to let the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party “ruin”…

Germany's chancellor has insisted that his coalition has "regained its footing" — despite dismal poll numbers. Friedrich Merz…

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reshuffled top posts as he tries to boost his unpopular government.