Euroscepticism in Germany: Historical Review and Main Factors

For a long time, Germany was considered a bastion of stability where, despite the historical past (and, perhaps, because of its bitter experience), anti-systemic and Eurosceptic parties did not play a big role in the political life of the country. While in neighboring France, Austria, the Netherlands and Denmark the Far-Right (and in the case of France also the Far-Left) forces have made significant progress, the waves of Euroscepticism seemed to have bypassed Germany. Even “Alternative for Germany” party, founded in 2013, at that time was neither Far-Right nor nationalist, and held moderately Eurosceptic views. Its main goal was to get Berlin out of the Eurozone, which was in stark contrast to the manifestos of other Eurosceptics in neighboring countries who wanted their countries to leave the European integration process. However, over the past 10 years, “Alternative for Germany” has transformed from a party critical only of Germany’s participation in the Eurozone, to the nationalist and Islamophobic party, and further to “hard” Eurosceptics calling for Germany’s exit from the European Union and its self-dissolution. No other Eurosceptic force has gone through such a major transformation in such a short time. Moreover, other Eurosceptics are trying to move away from their most radical demands in order to expand the electoral base. However, “Alternative for Germany” follows the opposite path – and at the same wins new voters. It is worth nothing that while other Eurosceptics are putting serious pressure on their governments and getting concessions from them, in Germany, despite the fall in the popularity of the key parties, they are not shifting to the right. This article explores the phenomenon of Eurosceptic forces in Germany and focuses on the “Alternative for Germany” party, which is still unique as it enjoys wide support among local Russian-speaking citizens.

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