In Zwickau, Germany, economic uncertainty and a turbulent history have fueled support for the far right ahead of a key regional election. The city has seen a revival in prosperity after painful decline post-reunification in 1990, but recent crises have triggered fears of losing progress. Some are turning to the far-right Alternative for Germany party out of protest. The AfD has gained momentum despite rallies against right-wing extremism earlier this year. Locals feel overwhelmed in an increasingly complex world, with nostalgia for simpler times benefiting the far right. However, the AfD denies being a party of nostalgia, claiming people are disillusioned with mainstream politicians. Volkswagen, a major employer in Zwickau, is concerned about the rise of populism impacting the future of electric mobility and potentially threatening jobs. Despite the CDU and AfD being neck-and-neck in polls, concerns about the far right’s influence in the upcoming election remain high. It remains to be seen how this trend will impact the political landscape in Zwickau and beyond as voters head to the polls in Saxony.
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Far-right movement on the rise in Germany’s industrial east due to past traumas
