According to the report by the Central News Agency, the three-party coalition formed by the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), the Green Party, and the Free Democratic Party (FDP), has announced its dissolution. As a result, an early election will be held on February 23, 2025. The Alternative for Germany (AfD), which currently ranks second in the German poll, has since garnered global attention.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is a far-right and right-wing populist political party in Germany. It describes itself as ‘an alternative for Germany’ and bases its primary political ideology on opposition to the euro, arguing that the euro crisis has harmed democracy in Germany, the rule of law, the social market economy, and European integration. Moreover, the party advocates for Germany’s withdrawal from the European Union unless significant reforms are implemented. The AfD also opposes immigration, particularly from Muslim-majority countries, and calls for a substantial reduction in the number of immigrants. Although some critics label the party as Neo-Nazi because of the provocative statements made by its members, support for the AfD has been steadily rising in Germany. According to the latest poll from Forschungsgruppe Wahlen, the AfD has garnered 18% of public support, making it the second-largest party after the CDU/CSU, which holds 33%. The AfD is expected to nominate its co-chairwoman, Alice Weidel, as its candidate for the upcoming early elections.
Alice Weidel, as the female co-leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), is an atypical figure in this male-dominated party, which is often considered anti-democratic and broadly representative of the German working class. She was born in 1979 in the small town of Gütersloh in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, Weidel demonstrated exceptional academic ability from an early age. She first earned a master’s degree in economics from the University of Bayreuth and later completed a doctorate with a dissertation on the topic of China’s pension system. Before entering politics, Weidel has worked for Goldman Sachs, Allianz, and the Bank of China, and is fluent in Mandarin. Some political analysts believe that the unconventional background of Weidel is part of the strategy of Alternative for Germany (AfD), in order to attract voters. According to the spokesperson of AfD, party membership has increased by 50 percent, reaching 56,000 members in the past.
As the influence of Alternative for Germany (AfD) continues to grow in German politics, understanding its policies toward China and Taiwan is crucial. On the Taiwan issue, Western countries generally assert that the people of Taiwan have the right to determine their own future, while China insists that Taiwan is an inseparable part of its territory. Alice Weidel has stated that the Taiwan issue is a foreign matter unrelated to Germany and that interference does not serve interests of Germany. She believes that China and Taiwan should resolve their conflict independently to achieve a mutually acceptable solution. Furthermore, Weidel criticized the United States for its ‘actions’ in Taiwan, warning that the turmoil seen in Ukraine and the Middle East could similarly occur in Taiwan if such activities persist. In contrast, Amanda Hsiao, a senior expert at the International Crisis Group (ICG), argued that China’s increasingly aggressive stance is unlikely to produce a fair and mutually satisfactory resolution for both sides. She also pointed that AfD implies U.S. involvement is a key factor behind rising tensions in Taiwan, ‘ This perspective is music to the ears of decision-makers in Beijing, as it is China’s narrative,’ Hsiao remarked. Moreover, some experts questioned whether Germany could avoid being drawn into ‘foreign affairs,’ as Weidel claims. Peter Rough, the director of the Europe and Eurasia Center at the Hudson Institute in the United States, believes that it is highly unlikely. He argues that Germany would have to choose a side if a war broke out between the United States and China, most likely by imposing economic sanctions on China. In anticipation of such scenarios, the AfD’s parliamentary campaign platform has explicitly stated its opposition to any sanctions against China, indicating the party’s intention to maintain strong economic and diplomatic relations with China. Most critics argue that Western economies, particularly Germany, are overdependent on China. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) disagrees with this perspective and has outlined policies aimed at strengthening ties with China. Its policy documents advocate for Germany to actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as an observer. The party has also expressed interest in joining the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU).
Establishing connections with these organizations would represent a significant shift for Germany—from the transatlantic world to Eurasia, and such a move could have far-reaching implications. Alexander Gabuev, the director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, noted that Germany’s involvement would bolster the legitimacy and influence of these organizations, proposals of AfD are likely to be welcomed by both Russia and China.
The current geopolitical reality is that Russia and China are challenging the Western alliance, and as one of its core members, The choice of Germany’s ruling party will have significant effects and is worth sustained attention.
