KEY POINTS
- The AfD is intensifying its outreach to factory workers worried about layoffs and the forced phase-out of internal combustion engines.
- Major German automakers are under pressure from high energy costs and fierce competition from Chinese EV manufacturers.
- Trade unions and mainstream politicians are warning that the far-right’s anti-climate rhetoric could isolate Germany’s economy.
The political landscape in Germany’s industrial regions is shifting as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) seeks to capitalize on growing anxiety within the automotive sector. As the country’s most vital industry faces a painful transition toward electrification, thousands of workers are becoming increasingly concerned about their long-term job security. The AfD has seized this opportunity, blaming government climate policies for the potential downfall of German engineering.
The automotive industry is currently navigating a “perfect storm” of challenges. High domestic energy prices, coupled with the massive investment required for electric vehicle (EV) production, have squeezed margins for giants like Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz. Furthermore, the rapid rise of affordable Chinese EVs in the European market has put German manufacturers on the defensive. This economic vulnerability has created fertile ground for populist messaging.
In regions traditionally dominated by car manufacturing, the AfD is hosting rallies and distributing literature that characterizes the “green transition” as a threat to the working class. Their platform calls for a reversal of the planned ban on new combustion engine cars and a return to cheaper energy sources. This rhetoric resonates with workers who feel abandoned by a government they perceive as prioritizing environmental goals over industrial stability.
Mainstream political parties and powerful trade unions like IG Metall are fighting back against this narrative. They argue that the AfD offers no real solutions to the technological shifts occurring globally. Union leaders emphasize that the future of the German car industry depends on successful innovation in battery technology and software, rather than clinging to the past. However, convincing a worried workforce of these long-term benefits is proving difficult.
The situation is further complicated by the upcoming regional and federal elections. As the AfD gains traction in polls, the ruling coalition faces immense pressure to provide more direct support to the auto sector. There are growing calls for increased subsidies and a relaxation of certain environmental regulations to protect domestic jobs. The outcome of this struggle will likely determine the speed and nature of Germany’s energy transition.
International observers are watching closely, as Germany’s response to these industrial tensions could serve as a blueprint for other manufacturing-heavy nations. The conflict highlights the difficult balance between meeting climate commitments and maintaining social cohesion. As the “engine room” of Europe experiences its greatest transformation in a century, the political stakes have never been higher.
