The German Firewall: The Impact of the Prohibition on Cooperation with the “Alternative for Germany†Party on Germany’s Political and Electoral Processes

The article deals with the phenomenon of brandmauer (firewall), which means the prohibition on established parties cooperating with the rightwing populist party “Alternative for Germany†(AfD). The research aims to reveal the influence of the brandmauer on political and electoral processes in Germany. The author analyses the historical roots and theoretical basis of the phenomenon, the effect of the restriction on government formation, and how firm the prohibition is at the federal, state and municipal levels. The article draws the following conclusions: the brandmauer is based on a critical reflection on European and German history, as well as the concept of militant democracy. The moral and political nature of the brandmauer, on the one hand, ensures the stability of the concept but, on the other hand, leads to the absence of a strict definition and regulation. Unlike previous practices of restricting cooperation with parties, the brandmauer became stronger with the growth of AfD support. Nevertheless, the strict prohibition coexists with the growing “grey zone†: cooperation between established parties and the “Alternative for Germany†at the municipal level, and support for the same initiatives. The brandmauer complicates the election campaign and coalition formation. In 2026, Germany may face a challenge in the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, where the AfD enjoys significant support.