Is Populism the Answer to Far-Right Extremism?

The Case of Saxony, Germany

In the German state of Saxony, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is employing a populist strategy to combat the rise of the radical right-wing party Alternative for Germany (AfD).

Populist Rhetoric and Policies

The CDU's populist approach involves appealing to the concerns of ordinary citizens, emphasizing national identity, and promising to protect traditional values.

For example, the CDU has proposed stricter immigration controls, increased spending on social welfare programs, and support for local businesses.

Mixed Results

The CDU's populist strategy has had mixed results in Saxony.

• On the one hand, the party has made some gains in popularity, narrowing the gap with the AfD.
• On the other hand, the CDU's populist rhetoric has alienated some traditional supporters, who view it as a departure from the party's conservative principles.

Implications for Other Countries

The CDU's experience in Saxony raises questions about the effectiveness of populism as a strategy to counter far-right extremism.

While populism can appeal to voters' concerns, it can also lead to political polarization and undermine democratic institutions.

Therefore, policymakers in other countries should carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of using populist rhetoric and policies before adopting them.

Additional Resources

• Spiegel Online: CDU will AfD mit Populismus das Wasser abgraben
• New York Times: In Germany, Far-Right Party Gains Ground in State Election
• Politico: CDU's populist strategy in Saxony fails to deliver