Why the AfD can’t be ignored as Germany swings right

The German elections have taken place and the Bundestag is looking a lot more right-wing than it was this time yesterday.

The centre-right CDU (Christian Democratic Union) led by Friedrich Merz will take power having won just over 28pc of the vote.

But in second place and surging to just over 20pc of the vote was the AfD (Alternative for Deutschland). Having drawn controversy and even comparisons to the Nazi party for promoting the closure of Germany’s borders as well as the mass deportations of migrants, they are now set to be the official opposition.

But with a coalition required to make a working majority, is it undemocratic of the CDU to refuse to go into partnership with the AfD when they won so many votes? Kamal and Camilla speak to CDU politician Günter Krings, who also talks of the need for a European army to defend the continent.

And on that note, with Ukraine marking the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion with a summit in Kyiv, we hear from Boris Johnson who’s spoken to The Daily Telegraph from the Ukrainian capital.

Producer: Lilian Fawcett

Senior Producer: John Cadigan

Planning Editor: Venetia Rainey

Executive Producer: Louisa Wells

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Editor: Camilla Tominey

Original music by Goss Studio

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