AfD - Alternative for Germany

The far-right populist Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) is Germany's only large party to unequivocally reject any action against climate change - but its impact on the country's efforts has been limited. The AfD has not yet entered national or regional governments, and all established parties have ruled out cooperating with the group. Researchers say the party's influence has mostly been confined to debates, causing further polarisation on climate issues. However, even as part of the opposition, the AfD has started to slow certain climate measures at the regional and local level, making it "sand in the gears" of the country's energy transition. In addition, it has consistently risen in national, regional and local polls to a point where it often comes out as the party with most support.