At the heart of the discussion was a striking reality: the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) captured over 20% of the vote, solidifying its place as a major force in the German parliament. Meanwhile, traditional left-wing parties—Social Democrats, Greens, and Die Linke—collectively struggled to secure more than a third of the electorate. This reshuffling of Germany’s political landscape has sparked serious questions about the country’s future and the stability of both the European Union and Western alliances.
Moderated by Professor Benjamin Zyla (School of International Development and Global Studies), the roundtable featured a distinguished panel:
- H.E. Tjorven Bellmann, German Ambassador to Canada
- Jordan Leichnitz, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, Ottawa
- Achim Hurrelmann, Carleton University
- Daniel Stockemer, University of Ottawa – School of Political Studies
- Elke Winter, University of Ottawa – School of Sociological and Anthropological Studies
Each panelist contributed a unique lens on the causes and consequences of Germany’s political shift.
Although unable to participate as a panelist or moderator due to administrative constraints, Dr. Jan Voelkel, Seconded Professor from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), played a pivotal role in organizing the event. The DAAD also generously supported the gathering by providing refreshments, contributing to the welcoming and collaborative atmosphere of the roundtable.
One of the most striking revelations was the strong support for the AfD among young voters: nearly 21% of Germans aged 18 to 24 backed the far-right party. This finding sparked concern among panelists, pointing to a deeper generational divide:
“Mainstream parties speak to retirees, not to young people. There’s an urgent need to rethink political language and how we engage younger voters.”
Another key theme was the ongoing East-West divide within Germany. The far-right vote remains much stronger in eastern regions, highlighting long-standing economic disparities, feelings of marginalization, and underrepresentation in federal politics.
The discussion also emphasized the powerful role of social media as a tool for political radicalization and disinformation. The AfD has leveraged online platforms to run highly effective, viral campaigns—often outpacing the more traditional communication strategies of centrist parties.
Immigration was also identified as a central issue—less for its actual impact, and more for the way it is framed and politicized:
“What drives far-right support isn’t the reality of migration—it’s the narrative constructed around it.”
The rise of the AfD, panelists argued, also reflects broader discontent with the political system. Voters are voicing frustration over declining purchasing power, rising housing insecurity, and perceived inaction by established parties.
Yet amidst this turbulence, one encouraging sign stood out: voter turnout was exceptionally high, pointing to continued civic engagement—even if increasingly polarized.
The conversation concluded by drawing parallels with the Canadian context, posing an open question: Are our liberal democracies prepared for similar shocks?
The roundtable offered a moment for collective reflection on the challenges posed by rising populism—from generational disconnect and digital disinformation to regional inequities and political disengagement. The panelists called for a renewal of civic participation, deeper engagement with youth and marginalized communities, and more socially grounded political messaging.
Germany’s election results may serve as a mirror reflecting broader tensions across Western democracies. The choice ahead is clear: observe passively, or respond actively.