Germany’s Far-Right AfD Party Eyes EU Referendum, Drawing Brexit Comparisons
Berlin – Germany’s far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party is gaining traction in public opinion polls and is now openly discussing the possibility of a referendum on Germany’s membership in the European Union, a move dubbed “Dexit.” The party’s leader, Alice Weidel, has explicitly pointed to the United Kingdom’s Brexit as a “model” for Germany, raising concerns about the future of European integration.
Weidel, who has led the AfD since 2022, told the Financial Times that if her party were to come to power, she would initiate a Brexit-style referendum on EU membership. She described the UK’s departure as “dead right” and suggested it demonstrated a path for Germany to reclaim “sovereign decision-making.”
The AfD’s rising popularity is causing unease within the EU Commission, according to reports. Recent polling data from January 22, 2024, shows the AfD at 21.5% support, surpassing Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) at 13.5%, as well as the Green Party (12.5%) and the Free Democratic Party (FDP) at 5.0%. This surge in support positions the AfD as the most popular party in Germany.
The prospect of a “Dexit” referendum is not without its critics. Chancellor Scholz has warned that such a move would be detrimental to Germany’s economic prosperity. However, the AfD argues that leaving the EU would allow Germany to regain control over its laws, borders, and economy.
The AfD’s agenda centers on an anti-EU stance, with pledges to leave both the European Union and the Eurozone if they enter government. This potential departure is being referred to as “Dexit,” directly mirroring the UK’s Brexit. The party also focuses on issues such as curbing the powers of the European Commission, which they describe as an “unelected executive,” and addressing what they perceive as a “democratic deficit” within the EU.
While the AfD’s proposals are gaining attention, some observers question the feasibility of a German exit from the EU. A post on social media platform LaBase suggests that a Brexit-style rupture with the European Union would not be plausible even if the AfD were to win an election. This sentiment reflects a broader skepticism about the potential for Germany to follow the UK’s path.
The situation is being closely watched by other European nations. Leaders in Italy and France, who also have significant far-right movements, appear to be taking note of the potential consequences of Brexit, as well as the AfD’s growing influence in Germany. The outcome of this political shift could have far-reaching implications for the future of the European Union.
Ulrich Siegmund, described as a “friendly new face” of the AfD, is leading the charge as the party approaches a potential threshold of power. His role, and the party’s continued rise, will be key factors in determining whether the “Dexit” conversation moves from the realm of political rhetoric to a genuine possibility.
