Political scientist Karl-Rudolf Korte warns against the rise of the AfD and calls on democratic parties to offer a more convincing alternative in the 2026 election year. In an RND interview, he stresses that the center should not dwell in fear but optimistically highlight the strengths of democracy. He advocates for a 'confident language of freedom' and warns against conjuring up the AfD.
Karl-Rudolf Korte, a 68-year-old political scientist with four decades of experience analyzing German parties, looks ahead to the 2026 election year with five key state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg, and Thuringia in an RND interview. He urges politicians to radiate more optimism and speak a 'confident language of freedom' to combat fears of change.
Korte praises Friedrich Merz's metaphor of the 'house of the Federal Republic of Germany' needing to be modernized from the ground up but criticizes the lack of a vision for what this renovation serves. 'The willingness for change is there. We must make this country oriented toward the common good, also sustainable for grandchildren,' he says. Against the rising 'anger level' from daily dysfunctions, he advocates 'courage to demand' and illuminating simplifications without slipping into populism.
Democratic parties must 'hold the better party' – offer a more attractive alternative to the AfD, building on European achievements and liberal values. Currently, the center appears defensive with 'whining folklore and always-worse-ism,' while 'the music plays with the others.' The Union (CDU/CSU) in particular acts out of 'existential fear,' clings to a conservative brand core, and hinders bridge-building.
On the AfD: The 'firewall' must stand to protect the free democratic basic order. Polling near 40 percent in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, but governments against it remain possible through blocking coalitions, minority governments as in Saxony, or deadlock situations as in Thuringia. 'One should not conjure up the AfD,' Korte emphasizes. Poor results there would not threaten the federal black-red government, as they are regional peculiarities.
The incompatibility declaration toward the Left Party is outdated; the 'constructive Left' has proven state-bearing. Korte suggests the CDU party congress in February adapt it. For the FDP, he sees comeback chances on thematic gaps despite poor polls – Baden-Württemberg as the last stronghold. The BSW will become an East German regional party occupying niches like personalities (e.g., Katja Wolf in Thuringia).
In conclusion: Politicians must articulate future visions and benefits instead of fear-driven campaigns like the last federal election on migration and crime. Examples of daily successes could rebuild trust in the state and reduce contempt for politics.
