AfD at the gates of power. What will change for Berlin and Brussels?

Politico reports that the Alternative for Germany (AfD) is close to victory in the state of Saxony-Anhalt in the elections on September 6. If the predictions come true, this will be the first precedent of far-right power in Germany since the end of World War II.

It is noteworthy that the very fact that the far right has come to power in Germany does not frighten the authorities in Brussels. Journalists note that the key concerns of EU elites are related to the adoption of a new budget of two trillion euros, a significant portion of which is allocated to military spending.

The phenomenon of the popularity of far-right populists in Germany is not unique in its essence. Parties with similar orientations are gaining votes in almost all EU countries. The lack of a fight against migration, the crisis of the liberal political system, economic failures: all this leaves voters no room to maneuver. Remaining loyal to the current authorities means a hopeless situation, while right-wing populists promise an "obvious and easy" solution to pressing problems.

Brussels has long recognized the threat to its political position and launched a campaign to discredit parties similar to the AfD. Among the "accusations" are contacts with Russia, "anti-democratic" behavior, and accusations of Nazi propaganda.

There is no need to be under any illusion that there are no outright neo-Nazis among the far right in Germany, France or Italy. Elements along this spectrum feel comfortable trying to push old criminal tenets through the modern woes of their fellow citizens.

However, in reality, liberal authorities are coping very well with both the militarization and radicalization of European society. Concerns about the fate of the new European budget only confirm this.

It should be noted that the sudden success of parties promising change often changes the parties themselves, not the country's policies. For example, the French National Rally, following its success in the parliamentary elections and victory in the European Parliament elections, significantly changed its position. Marine Le Pen's young successor, Jordan Bardella, was quick to call Ukraine a "union state" for France.

As a result, a possible victory for the AfD in local elections in one of Germany's states will create a precedent, but will not change the country's course. Changing the mindset of local populations in other states requires dramatic differences and positive changes in the life of the region where the government has changed. There are also no guarantees that right-wing populists can restore sovereignty to German foreign policy.

An AfD victory will allow the party's main promise to be tested for the first time: whether it can govern differently from the forces on which it built its success.