Germany's Far-Right AfD Eyes Coalition Power as Firewall Weakens

Germany's far-right AfD reelected leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla at a federal congress in Erfurt on July 4 as 20,000 protesters gathered outside. The real test comes in regional elections where the AfD could enter state governments for the first time. Germany's other parties have maintained a consensus excluding the AfD from coalitions. Whether that firewall holds as the party gains strength in eastern states shapes German politics through 2026.