VDL's leadership under threat as Germany sees surge in far-right support
Far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) has seen a surge in Germany in what is a major blow for Olaf Scholz and a threat to Ursula von der Leyen's leadership
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Far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) has seen a surge in Germany in what is a major blow for Olaf Scholz and a threat to Ursula von der Leyen's leadership.
The party made gains in two state elections yesterday, coming second in Hesse and third in Bavaria.
The results both represent historic gains for the party.
Meanwhile, the three parties that make up Olaf Scholz' federal coalition government were hit with significant losses.
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The centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), the Greens, and the liberal Free Democrats (FDP) all saw their support fall.
The election, which has been seen as a bellwether for national feeling, represents growing dissatisfaction with Scholz's leadership.
The Christian Social People’s Party (CSV) - the sister party to Ursula Von der Leyen's Christian Democratic Union - won the election in Bavaria with 37 per cent of the vote.
In Hesse, the CDU won the election with 34.6 per cent of the vote.
While the CDU maintained control, the rise in far-right support is particularly worrying for Ursula von der Leyen, who is gearing up for the 2024 EU elections - as Germany’s backing is critical to whether the EU chief can remain in power.
The right-wing party Alternative for Germany has seen its numbers grow in recent months, overtaking mainstream parties in Germany as dissatisfaction with their offerings grows.
Germans have turned their back on mainstream politics, causing AfD to have more support than any of the three parties currently in power, including that of Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the SDP.
Pressure is mounting on Von der Leyen as Hungary, with far-right politician Viktor Orban at the helm, is hoping to form a right-wing majority in the European parliament.
Worryingly for the EU chief, Orban's Political Director, Balázs Orban, has warned that Hungary’s support for Von der Leyen is no longer a given either.
Speaking to Politico, he said: "We were very supportive of her. But now she’s pushing her own political agenda without consulting member states, on geopolitics, relationship with the U.S. and China, on war issues, sanctions."
He accused Von der Leyen of being at the helm of a "divisive" routine, saying that "the way the Commission is operating is not good for unity".
He added: "They come up with a proposal and then put pressure on member states to say yes."
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The election, which has been seen as a bellwether for national feeling, represents growing dissatisfaction with Scholz's leadership
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However, Hungary does not have a veto over the election of the next EU Commission chief.
As a member of the council, it has a vote on whether Von der Leyen will have a second term, but EU leaders are not required to reach a unanimous decision.
Regardless, Hungary is hoping to form a right-wing majority in the European parliament, with Balázs Orbán optimistically saying: "I think we have a chance, I think it will be very close."