Why German fear worries the world

The election victory of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) on Sunday (1 September) in Thuringia, the first by a right-wing extremist party in a German state election since the Second World War, is indicative of a country whose self-confidence has reached an all-time low.

To keep fringe parties in check and remain a reliable partner for international allies, the country urgently needs to rediscover its economic and political strength. Otherwise, a restless Germany could become a problem for Europe and the world.

Although populist groups from the left and right received more than 60 percent of the votes in Thuringia and almost half of the votes in Saxony, the other parties have ruled out participating in a government with the AfD – which means that the AfD is unlikely to be able to implement its policies.