The Tactics Institute for Security and Counter-Terrorism is seriously concerned about the growing political unrest and security threats in Germany, fueled by the breakdown of the ‘traffic light’ coalition and the rise of far-right populism in the wake of the U.S. presidential election.
The collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government following his inability to agree on a budget has marked Germany’s second unexpected election since reunification. Political instability ensues in the wake of a string of crises. It extends from economic slowdown to mounting migration pressure and a skyrocketing surge in terrorist attacks.
Germany has witnessed five acts of terrorism over the past 12 months. The three major incidents occurred over the past two months alone. These are the December 20th Christmas market attack and the recent February 13th car attack, which have heightened public anxieties and fueled polarizing political rhetoric.
Most significantly, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) voted through a non-binding anti-immigration motion with the backing of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), breaking the long-standing political firewall, or Brandmauer, between mainstream parties and extremist groups.
The rise of the far-right AfD and the newly formed Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) further complicates Germany’s political landscape. Both sides reject further assistance for Ukraine and embrace diplomatic outreach towards Russia, fitting into larger geopolitics seen following the U.S. presidential transition.
The Tactics Institute urges the German government, the European Union and the international community to adopt more robust counter-terrorism measures in order to stop future attacks and secure the safety of citizens. Strengthen the Brandmauer to guard against the mainstreaming of far-right language into politics.
Encourage inclusive policies that address economic issues, rationalize migration flows, and build social cohesion. Initiate joint action against the dissemination of extremist propaganda and foreign influence operations.
Germany is at a crossroads, where inaction to confront these interrelated challenges could further destabilize the nation and the wider European continent. The Tactics Institute calls for immediate, concerted action to protect democratic principles and regional stability.
