Timelines

Launched in 2013 as a Euro-critical party, the AfD quickly transformed itself into a right-wing populist party. In 2017, it was elected to the Bundestag. This is the first time since the Nazi era that an openly right-wing, in parts extreme right-wing party has been represented in the German Bundestag. The AfD is characterized by racism, völkisch ideas, anti-Semitism, conspiracy theories and hostility towards established political structures and democratic institutions. The party actively pursues the goal of dividing society. Initially, the established parties spoke of a "firewall" against the AfD and ruled out cooperation. In the meantime, however, the clear demarcation is crumbling in many places.  In numerous localities, there is now collaboration with the AfD, particularly at the municipal level.