Author: Deborah Cole in Kaufbeuren, Germany

Kaufbeuren, a picturesque Bavarian town, boasts a rich history and stunning scenery. Despite its idyllic setting, recent political developments have sent shockwaves through the community. The rise of the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) has caused divisions in the town, with deep-seated fears leading to a significant share of the electorate aligning with the party. Even after a series of scandals, the AfD’s popularity remains strong. Maximilian Krah, the AfD’s lead candidate, faced backlash for controversial remarks about the Nazi SS and ties to foreign powers. Despite this, polls show the AfD gaining support in the upcoming European Parliament election,…