What the AfD would do in power | Berlin Briefing Podcast

This episode of the Berlin Briefing features an in-depth panel discussion on the political implications of the AfD (Alternative for Germany) potentially entering executive power. The participants analyze current polling data, particularly the party's strength in states like Saxony-Anhalt, and contrast their high support numbers with their limited record of actual governance and executive influence.

The panel delves into the institutional and systemic constraints within the German parliamentary system that would likely hinder the AfD if they were in power. A key focus of the discussion is the concept of a 'firewall'—the informal consensus among other major parties to avoid coalitions with the AfD—and how this impacts the party's ability to govern effectively. The guests also discuss the party's rhetoric, its potential to impact specific state institutions, and the 're-democratization' and administrative changes the party proposes to implement.

Furthermore, the speakers address the broader political climate, examining why the party's popularity persists despite, or perhaps because of, its contentious stances. The discussion touches upon voters' frustrations with existing coalitions, the perceived failure of mainstream parties to address core issues, and the limitations of 'cordon sanitaire' strategies in weakening the party's appeal, concluding with an outlook on the upcoming state-level electoral challenges.