In 2025, the narrative around Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) party hit a critical turning point. Once relegated to the sidelines by the political elite and media, the AfD has begun to forge valuable alliances both within Europe and across the Atlantic. While the current German leadership under Chancellor Friedrich Merz maintains policies of economic decline and mass migration, the AfD stands in stark opposition, asserting that the country’s struggles result from intentional decisions rather than mere chance.
Alice Weidel’s appearance at CPAC Hungary marked a historic moment for the party. The first AfD leader to take the stage at this influential conservative gathering, Weidel delivered a powerful critique of the established elite. In fluent English, she condemned the destructive climate policies and EU overregulation, calling emphatically for national sovereignty—securing borders and defending Western civilization. Her rallying cry, “Let’s make Europe great again,” elicited a standing ovation, signaling that the AfD is gaining respect outside Germany as a legitimate voice for European patriotism.
The timing of Weidel’s speech was significant, occurring in Budapest under the gaze of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. This meeting wasn’t just symbolic; it represented a decisive shift away from the long-standing practice of isolating the AfD from meaningful international dialogue. With Orbán’s overt support, the perceived “firewall” prohibiting engagement with the AfD showed cracks, marking a new era for the party.
Later in the year, Petr Bystron continued this momentum during a massive rally in London, where he was the sole German speaker among a roster of international figures, including Elon Musk. Addressing an audience that numbered in the millions, Bystron asserted the necessity for Europe to defend its identity and traditions. His declaration, “Our ancestors fought for 2,000 years, and we will fight for another 2,000 years if necessary,” resonated deeply, highlighting that the AfD’s influence has transcended national borders, becoming an integral part of a broader European movement dedicated to preserving cultural heritage.
The event in New York further cemented the AfD’s international status. Markus Frohnmaier received the Allen W. Dulles Award for his stance against ideological repression. His remarks, which pointed to the ruling class’s battle against free speech, reflected a rising frustration with censorship and the authoritarian tendencies taking hold in Germany. Frohnmaier’s connection to the audience, which included prominent figures in the American conservative movement, underscored the growing links between the AfD and the MAGA agenda.
Austria’s experience serves as a case study for those still clinging to the hope that isolation could suppress rising nationalism. The Freedom Party (FPÖ) faced exclusion from power, only to rebound with extraordinary public support. Polls indicate that the FPÖ is now within striking distance of an outright majority, a testament to the futility of attempts to stymie patriotic movements. The lesson from Austria is clear: efforts at isolation often backfire, galvanizing public sentiment rather than quelling it.
As the landscape shifts amidst these developments, 2025 will likely be remembered as a pivotal year for the AfD. The party’s growing connections and influence mark a change in the tide—one that places increasing pressure on established elites. Alice Weidel’s New Year address offers a hint at what lies ahead, spotlighting an expanding patriotic movement that must not be underestimated. Observing the events in Austria reinforces this notion: Germany may very well be on a similar path, as patriots emerge stronger than before, not just in Germany, but throughout Europe and beyond.
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