Germany's BSW: A New Populist Party Challenges the Far-Right AfD in the EU Elections 2024

A Five-Month-Old Political Entity

The "Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht" (BSW) is a political alliance established only five months ago. Despite its nascent status, it has quickly established a significant presence in German politics.

Overlapping Positions with AfD and Union

The BSW shares many policy positions with the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) and the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Notably, the party holds a critical stance on immigration and advocates for strict limits on the number of migrants entering Germany.

Challenge to the Far-Right

The BSW's emergence has presented a challenge to the AfD, which has traditionally been the dominant populist force in German politics. In recent polls, the BSW has garnered approximately 6% of the vote, while the AfD has faced a slight decline.

Critical of EU Immigration Policies

The BSW is particularly critical of the European Union's immigration policies, arguing that they facilitate a "brain drain" from developing countries.

Conclusion

As Germany gears up for the EU elections in 2024, the BSW is poised to play a significant role in the political landscape. Its anti-immigration stance and populist rhetoric have resonated with a segment of the German electorate, potentially disrupting the established political order and challenging the dominance of the far-right AfD.