As Europe’s right advances, Germany’s AfD rethinks its anti-euro roots

Alice Weidel, co-leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, gives her speech during the AfD party congress in Erfurt, Germany, on July 5. | REUTERS

Nov 2, 2026

Berlin – The far-right Alternative for Germany, founded more than a decade ago in opposition to the EU’s handling of the euro crisis, is recalibrating its vision for Europe as it and its rightwing allies abroad gain influence.

After a historic victory in a regional election in Saxony-Anhalt in September, Germany’s most popular party in nationwide surveys now appears closer than ever to entering government at national level before the end of the decade.

The prospect is prompting debate over how to balance an anti-establishment identity with the need to appear as a credible partner to potential allies at home and abroad.

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