About: Bernd Lucke

AfD and National Front converge ahead of elections

The right-wing spiral of Germany’s anti-EU Alternative für Deutschland party (AfD) has brought it shoulder to shoulder with France’s National Front (NF). The two parties see eye-to-eye on a number of issues, including Russia. EURACTIV France reports.

AfD readies for congress, banks on Islamophobia

Germany's right-wing populist AfD (Alternative for Germany) plans to adopt an anti-Islamic manifesto at a weekend party congress, emboldened by the rise of European anti-migrant groups like Austria's Freedom Party.

Google, Facebook and Amazon forced to face MEPs’ tax questions

Some 11 multinationals gave patchy responses to questions on their tax practices from the MEPs of the special committee on tax rulings (TAXE) on Monday, ending months of procrastination. EURACTIV France reports

Merkel calls for summit on refugee crisis

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called for a special EU refugee summit on Tuesday (15 September), urging unity after an angry reaction to a suggestion by one of her ministers that states that did not take in their share of asylum seekers could face financial penalties.

AfD co-founder pondering new Eurosceptic party

Bernd Lucke, a founder of Alternative for Germany (AfD) is considering creating a new party with his association Weckruf 2015, after a dramatic shift right in the party. EURACTIV Germany reports.

Germany’s AfD founder reclaims control of populist party

The founder of the upstart Alternative for Germany (AfD) strengthened his control of the far right party that has been stealing votes from Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives with a withering attack on his co-leaders.

Turmoil in Eurosceptic AfD party could help Merkel

A battle for control of the German Eurosceptic upstart Alternative for Germany (AfD) exposed deep ideological rifts at the weekend within a party that has been stealing votes from Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives.

German Eurosceptics pose threat to weak eurozone states

A surge in popularity for a German Eurosceptic party could hit weaker eurozone countries' borrowing costs, rating agency Standard & Poor's said on Tuesday, as a poll put national support for Alternative for Germany (AfD) at a record high.

Eurosceptic AfD wins double-digits in German regional elections

Germany’s Eurosceptic AfD party won handily in parliamentary elections in Brandenburg and Thuringia on Sunday (14 September), following successes in the European Parliament and Saxon elections. But other parties are appalled, with centre-right politicians calling for an urgent reassessment of how to deal with the party. EURACTIV Germany reports.

Oettinger’s new digital job raises eyebrows in Berlin

In Germany, reactions across party lines reflected the surprise over Günther Oettinger’s appointment to the Digital Economy and Society portfolio in the new Juncker Commission. EURACTIV.de reports.

German Eurosceptic AfD chides Merkel after state surge (UPDATED)

Riding a wave of momentum after a strong showing in a regional election, Germany's new populist party said on Monday it was time for Chancellor Angela Merkel to wake up and accept it as a new conservative force in German politics. EURACTIV Germany reports.

Russia-Ukraine conflict divides Germany’s Eurosceptics

Germany's Eurosceptic Alternative for Germany (AfD) is polarised over the Ukraine conflict, with Russian criticism coming from the party's leader Bernd Lucke and Brandenburg's top AfD candidate Alexander Gauland threatening to withdraw from the upcoming regional elections. EURACTIV Germany reports.

German anti-Euro party joins Tories in EU Parliament

The ECR group in the European Parliament scoops up another seven seats, as news surfaced on Thursday that the German AfD party has been confirmed as a new member.