ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the causes for the success of the Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD). The AfD is constructing its conception of the people by excluding some cultural, religious, and ethnic groups from ‘its people’, and tries to create a community of ‘honest Germans’ who stand together against the threat of immigration and against the malicious politicians and parties. The economic structure of argumentation has already been a self-evident component and an anchor point for right-wing populist positions in the AfD. According to the AfD, the Germans are, in principle, victims who are trampled insidiously by the Merkel government. The AfD argues that the German people should be given the opportunity to vote for or against the agenda of the government. Since the AfD is also involved in marches, demonstrations, and extra-parliamentary actions, it not only needs voters, but also supporters and activists who identify themselves with the party.
