Germany’s Lingering Divide: Understanding the Persistent Split Between East and West
A New Iron Curtain?
Three and a half decades after Germany’s reunification, the invisible remnants of the Iron Curtain still cast a shadow over the nation. Instead of the barbed wire and guard dogs that once divided the country, today the line is less physical but no less real, separating Germans along economic and political lines. The former East and West Germany are growing increasingly apart, with the East showing a troubling tendency to support extremist parties. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), a party linked to neo-Nazis and under surveillance by domestic intelligence, gained nearly one in three votes in the East during the recent elections. This divide is not just a momentary blip but a persistent feature of Germany’s political landscape, evident in both the federal elections and the European Parliament elections last June.
The Rise of the Far Right in the East
The AfD’s dominance in the East is striking. Out of 48 voting districts outside Berlin in the former East Germany, only two were not won by the AfD. In some districts, the party secured nearly 50% of the vote, signaling a deep-seated discontent among Eastern voters. If the East were still an independent country, the AfD would have emerged victorious in the elections. This trend mirrors recent state elections in the East, where the party’s support has been consistently high. In Thuringia, for instance, the AfD garnered 33% of the vote, with its leader, Björn Höcke—a figure fined for using Nazi-era rhetoric—leading the charge. The mainstream Christian Democrats trailed far behind, securing only about 24% of the vote. This divergence in voting patterns is not just a regional anomaly but a worrying sign of deeper societal schisms.
Historical and Cultural Roots of the Divide
Analysts point to the unique historical and cultural context of East Germany as a key factor in this divide. Decades of Communist rule during the Cold War, coupled with close ties to Moscow and the Soviet bloc, have shaped an East German identity distinct from the West. Many East Germans never fully connected with West German democracy, according to political scientist Benjamin Höhne. The legacy of forced political alignment under Communism has left a void that extremist parties like the AfD are eager to fill. Moreover, the East lags behind the West in key metrics such as income and unemployment, creating fertile ground for populist rhetoric. The AfD’s ties to Moscow further complicate this picture, as the party seeks to exploit these disparities and historical grievances.
The Weak Grip of Mainstream Parties in the East
Traditional West German parties—such as the Social Democrats and Christian Democrats—have struggled to gain traction in the East. Only 42% of Eastern voters supported these parties in the recent elections, a stark contrast to their dominance in the West. The AfD, along with Die Linke (a successor to the East’s former ruling Socialist Party), has capitalized on this vacuum. Many AfD members are active in local civil society, even holding mayoral positions, which increases their visibility and influence. Sociology professor Matthias Quent notes that the East operates differently, and this divergence shows no signs of diminishing. The old Western parties were never truly established in the East, and their lack of roots has left the door open for alternatives like the AfD.
A Different Political Landscape
From a broader European perspective, the East’s political landscape is not an outlier. In fact, Professor Höhne argues that Western Germany, with its stable mainstream parties, is the exception rather than the rule. The persistence of extremist parties in the East aligns more closely with the political dynamics seen in other European countries. This normalization of the far right in the East raises concerns about the future of German politics. Experts warn that the East could be a bellwether for broader trends in the country, as mainstream parties face eroding support and extremist movements gain momentum.
Concerns and Strategies for the Future
Mainstream politicians in Berlin are acutely aware of the challenges posed by this divide. Friedrich Merz, the presumptive future chancellor, has expressed deep concern over the disproportionate voting patterns in the East. To counter the AfD’s rise, Merz plans to address key issues such as irregular migration and economic competitiveness, which are central to the far right’s platform. His strategy aims to deprive the AfD of the fertile ground it currently exploits. However, the broader issue of political representation remains unresolved. In the outgoing government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz, only two of 17 ministers were born in the East, highlighting the underrepresentation of Eastern voices in national politics. As Germany moves forward, bridging this divide will require more than just policy changes—it will demand a cultural and political reckoning with the lingering legacy of division.
