Story perspectives

Far-Right Surge Signals Crisis for Liberal Democracy

9/5/2025

Center

Populists Rise Amid Discontent

A decade after Merkel's "Wir schaffen das," far-right parties lead polls in Germany, France, and the U.K.
Public discontent with postliberal governance drives the rise of populist parties, particularly regarding immigration.
Critics claim mass migration without consent undermines national sovereignty and demand alignment with host country values.
Center-right and center-left parties must prioritize border control to restore faith in liberal democracy.
Unaddressed issues may overshadow the values of liberal democracy amid the ongoing preliberal trend.

Left

Refugee Journey Highlighted

Anas Modamani, a Syrian refugee, shares his perilous journey to Germany in 2015, where he now works in IT.
The 2015 migration crisis resulted in over 2.6 million asylum requests in Germany, mainly from Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
Angela Merkel's "Wir schaffen das" policy initially welcomed refugees, but anti-immigration sentiment has risen.
The far-right AfD party has become Germany's largest opposition group amid this shift.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced new migration policies, emphasizing increased border security.
Public support for fewer refugees has grown to 68%, up from 38% in 2015.

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Populists Rise Amid Discontent

A decade after Merkel's "Wir schaffen das," far-right parties lead polls in Germany, France, and the U.K.
Public discontent with postliberal governance drives the rise of populist parties, particularly regarding immigration.
Critics claim mass migration without consent undermines national sovereignty and demand alignment with host country values.
Center-right and center-left parties must prioritize border control to restore faith in liberal democracy.
Unaddressed issues may overshadow the values of liberal democracy amid the ongoing preliberal trend.

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