The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party achieved a record 20.8% of the vote in recent elections, becoming the second largest political force in Germany. This success has led to calls from AfD leaders to dismantle the long-standing political consensus, or 'firewall', against collaborating with far-right parties. Despite concerns about the AfD being classified as right-wing extremist, public support for the party has surged, particularly in eastern Germany. The conservative party leader Friedrich Merz acknowledges the need to address issues like migration and security to regain voters. The political landscape is shifting, with discussions about the future of the firewall and potential collaborations with the AfD. Vollständiger Artikel (bbc.com europe)