Why German angst is a worry for the world

SUNDAY’S (Sep 1) electoral victory by the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Thuringia, the first by a far-right party in a regional German election post-World War II, is indicative of a country whose self-confidence is at a low ebb.

To keep fringe parties at bay and remain a dependable partner for international allies, the country desperately needs to rediscover its economic and political mojo. If not, a fretful Germany could become a problem for Europe and the world.

Although populist groups on the left and right won more than 60 per cent of the votes in the state of Thuringia and almost half in Saxony, the other parties have ruled out joining regional governments with the AfD – meaning it likely won’t be able to put its policies into action.