The end of liberal democracy in Europe?

Democracy rests on stability, but what happens when that stability disappears? Germany’s recent elections have delivered a clear answer: the liberal democratic order is faltering. While the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Friedrich Merz, has emerged as the leading party political party in Germany and is set to replace the Social Democratic Party (SPD)-led government of Olaf Scholz, the true story of the election is the meteoric rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which is now the second largest political force in the country, having secured more than 20% of the vote.

The anti-immigrant party, which aims “to eliminate the free democratic basic order,” has doubled its support since the last federal elections and asserted itself as a major force in German politics. Despite its exclusion from the next governing coalition, the AfD’s gains reflect a growing dissatisfaction with politics as usual and the increasing appeal of nationalist solutions.

Germany’s shift rightward is part of a larger pattern. Across Europe, mainstream parties are losing ground, while nationalist right-wing forces are growing stronger. In country after country, disillusioned voters are rejecting establishment politicians who seem out of touch with their struggles. Germany’s move toward firmer policies, stronger national sovereignty, reduced immigration, and stricter fiscal controls reflects a broader rejection of establishment governance and a response to the crises that have shaken Europe in recent years.

Liberal democracy relies on a strong and secure middle class. When citizens have a sense of upward mobility and economic stability, they support centrist politics. But that foundation has eroded. Globalization has hollowed out Germany’s once-thriving industrial base, outsourcing jobs to China and the United States. Energy dependence, exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, has driven up costs for ordinary Germans. Salaries stagnate while taxes rise to fund social programs, leaving many native citizens disillusioned.

Rising economic inequality, disappearing job security, and cultural shifts fueled by mass immigration have left a growing number of Germans questioning their place in their own country. The political center has collapsed, leaving voters with extreme choices.

AfD’s success is not a retreat to the past; it is about survival. In an era where China advances unchecked, Russia uses force to assert its power, and the United States increasingly prioritizes transactional diplomacy, Germany cannot afford to remain weak. The traditional democratic establishment has failed to provide solutions. The slow-moving European Union, bogged down in bureaucratic inertia, cannot address these crises in real time. Voters are looking for strong, decisive leadership – something the current system struggles to deliver.

The rise of authoritarian leaders like Putin, Xi, and Trump is not coincidental. It reflects a broader demand for leaders who act quickly, make tough decisions, and reject the inefficiencies of democratic consensus-building. Europe, with its reliance on diplomacy and regulations, is falling behind in an era that favors speed and strength.

Germany’s election outcome is not an anomaly but a warning sign. The AfD is not a fringe movement – it is a glimpse into Europe’s future. As voters across the continent continue to turn toward nationalist and populist leaders, the fundamental question remains: can liberal democracy adapt to survive, or is it already a relic of the past?