The 2017 German Federal Election: A Watershed Moment for Angela Merkel's Political Career and the Rise of Right-Wing Populism

The year 2017 witnessed a pivotal event in Germany’s political landscape - the federal election, which saw Chancellor Angela Merkel secure her fourth term but with a significantly diminished mandate. This election was not just another routine democratic exercise; it served as a barometer reflecting the anxieties and shifting tides within German society, heralding the rise of right-wing populism and challenging the established order.

Merkel, who had led Germany for over twelve years, faced her toughest challenge yet. The refugee crisis of 2015, which saw Germany welcome over a million asylum seekers, had deeply divided the nation. While many applauded Merkel’s compassion and humanitarian stance, others feared the impact on German identity, security, and social cohesion. This division manifested itself in the emergence of new political forces, most notably the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which campaigned on an anti-immigration platform, tapping into anxieties and exploiting public discontent.

The AfD’s meteoric rise was a testament to the growing frustration with mainstream parties perceived as out of touch with the concerns of ordinary Germans. The party’s success was further fuelled by economic anxieties, social fragmentation, and a sense of cultural displacement amongst certain segments of the population. Their message resonated particularly with those who felt left behind by globalization and the rapid pace of societal change.

The election results were a clear indication of this shift in the political landscape:

As the table shows, Merkel’s CDU emerged as the largest party but lost a considerable number of seats compared to previous elections. The SPD, traditionally her coalition partner, also suffered significant losses. The AfD, on the other hand, stormed into the Bundestag, becoming the first far-right party to enter Germany’s parliament since World War II.

This unexpected surge in support for the AfD sent shockwaves through the political establishment. Their entry into the Bundestag signified a profound challenge to the post-war consensus and raised concerns about the normalization of xenophobic and anti-democratic rhetoric within mainstream politics.

The 2017 election also exposed the deep divisions within German society itself. While Merkel’s handling of the refugee crisis was widely praised internationally, it proved deeply polarizing domestically. The debate surrounding immigration sparked intense public discourse, revealing a complex interplay of economic anxieties, social insecurities, and cultural identities.

The consequences of this election were far-reaching:

• Formation of a Grand Coalition: Despite the AfD’s breakthrough, Merkel ultimately managed to form another grand coalition government with the SPD, albeit a fragile one.

• Erosion of Trust in Traditional Parties: The rise of the AfD highlighted a growing disillusionment with mainstream parties and a desire for alternative political voices.

• Rise of Populism Across Europe: The success of the AfD emboldened far-right movements across Europe, contributing to a broader trend of populist nationalism challenging established democracies.

• Increased Polarization and Social Divisions: The election amplified existing social divisions within Germany, leading to increased polarization and making it more difficult to find common ground on critical issues.

While Merkel’s fourth term provided a sense of stability, the 2017 election served as a stark warning about the fragility of democracy in an era of rapid globalization and societal transformation. The rise of the AfD, though ultimately contained within the political system, exposed deep-seated anxieties and vulnerabilities within German society. It underscored the need for constructive dialogue, inclusive policies, and a willingness to address the underlying social and economic issues that fuel populist resentment.