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Former HDZ head of diplomacy: "Nothing is excluded, not even the AfD taking power in Germany in 2029"
Croatia🏛️ PoliticsLean Conservative9/8/2026

Former HDZ head of diplomacy: "Nothing is excluded, not even the AfD taking power in Germany in 2029"

In an interview with HRT's 'Studio 4', former Croatian Foreign Minister Miro Kovač commented on the strong performance of Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in Saxony-Anhalt. He noted that AfD successfully tapped into voter emotions by addressing migration policies and dissatisfaction with federal governance and Western attitudes toward eastern Germans. Kovač highlighted the region's population loss since reunification and suggested that AfD's appeal lies in nostalgia for a bygone era of greater social security and pacifism. While AfD won 44% of the vote, it lacks enough seats to form a government alone. Kovač warned that entering regional governance could become a trap if the party fails to meet voter expectations before the next federal election in 2029. He also criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for needing to implement necessary reforms despite potential short-term political costs. Additionally, Kovač expressed concern over the burial of war criminal Ratko Mladić in Belgrade, noting the lack of condemnation from Serbian authorities and calling it a reflection of broader issues with international justice.

A former Croatian foreign minister has warned that the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) could potentially form a federal government by 2029 after its strong showing in recent regional elections in Saxony-Anhalt. Miro Kovač, who previously led Croatia’s diplomatic efforts, stated during an interview with HRT's Studio 4 that while the AfD has successfully tapped into voter sentiment in eastern Germany, its rise poses significant political risks. Kovač attributed the party's success primarily to migration policy and dissatisfaction among eastern German voters with the federal government and perceived neglect by western Germans. He noted that the region, once part of East Germany, has lost nearly three million residents since reunification. The AfD, he argued, has capitalized on nostalgia for a bygone era of greater social security and pacifism, appealing to those longing for a "new Germany." The party secured 44 percent of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt but lacks enough representatives to govern alone. According to Kovač, forming a majority would require defectors from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) or a coalition with Sahra Wagenknecht’s party. However, he cautioned that gaining control of the regional government might become a trap, given the limited powers of such a role and the risk of public disappointment if expectations are not met before the next federal election in 2029. Kovač also criticized Chancellor Friedrich Merz for failing to address deep structural changes in Germany and urged him to implement necessary reforms, even at the cost of short-term political gain. He emphasized that Merz should prioritize long-term benefits over immediate electoral success. In addition to commenting on the AfD's rise, Kovač addressed the burial of war criminal Ratko Mladić in Belgrade, attended by Serbian officials. He viewed this as a failure of international justice and highlighted growing disparities in attitudes toward wartime crimes across Europe. Meanwhile, journalist Tomislav Krasnec, reporting for N1 Hrvatska, described his experience at the AfD's election night celebration in Saxony-Anhalt. He observed a mix of fear and frustration among voters, many of whom felt ignored by traditional parties. The AfD's campaign imagery, he noted, bore striking similarities to the aesthetics of Slovenian artists Laibach and Neue Slowenische Kunst, including slogans like "Remigration" and images of airplanes. Krasnec expressed concern that the AfD's proposed return of migrants to their countries of origin could have implications for Croatia, particularly for those registered there. He noted that the party excels at identifying problems but struggles to offer practical solutions, which could lead to voter disillusionment if they gain power. Krasnec was also struck by the presence of numerous YouTube creators, streamers, and influencers at AfD rallies, many of whom openly supported the party. During one event in Magdeburg, he engaged in a live debate with a YouTuber, highlighting the shift in media dynamics and the increasing influence of non-traditional voices in political discourse.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 2 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

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2 reports

Telegram.hr logoTelegram.hrIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 859/8/2026
Former HDZ head of diplomacy: "Nothing is excluded, not even the AfD taking power in Germany in 2029"

In an interview with HRT's 'Studio 4', former Croatian Foreign Minister Miro Kovač commented on the strong performance of Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in Saxony-Anhalt. He noted that AfD successfully tapped into voter emotions by addressing migration policies and dissatisfaction with federal governance and Western attitudes toward eastern Germans. Kovač highlighted the region's population loss since reunification and suggested that AfD's appeal lies in nostalgia for a bygone era of greater social security and pacifism. While AfD won 44% of the vote, it lacks enough seats to form a government alone. Kovač warned that entering regional governance could become a trap if the party fails to meet voter expectations before the next federal election in 2029. He also criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for needing to implement necessary reforms despite potential short-term political costs. Additionally, Kovač expressed concern over the burial of war criminal Ratko Mladić in Belgrade, noting the lack of condemnation from Serbian authorities and calling it a reflection of broader issues with international justice.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced discussion of political developments in Germany and related international issues, including the rise of the AfD party and the implications of the burial of Ratko Mladić. The framing remains neutral, avoiding overtly biased language or selective emphasis on particular側

Why factuality (95): This article closely mirrors the content of the primary source document, accurately quoting Miro Kovač’s analysis of the AfD’s victory, the reasons behind it, and his warnings about political risks. It provides direct quotes and contextual information that match the original source, with minimal dev

Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a neutral tone, presenting Kovač’s statements without apparent bias. It avoids emotionally charged language and focuses on reporting the expert opinion without injecting personal commentary. The structure is balanced, offering both analysis and cautionary remarks without leanin

N1 Hrvatska logoN1 HrvatskaIndependentConservativeFactual 75Objective 609/7/2026
Reporter from the AfD headquarters: I've never seen this in any country before

Journalist Tomislav Krasnec from Večernji list attended the election night in the German federal state of Saxony-Anhalt at the headquarters of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. He described the atmosphere among voters, noting both confirmation of AfD's image as an extreme-right party with neo-Nazi tendencies and the frustration of some voters who feel ignored by traditional political parties. Krasnec observed signs of fear and concern among people regarding their economic and social situations, suggesting that these feelings drive support for AfD. He noted the visual style of AfD's campaign booth resembled the aesthetics of Slovenian artists Laibach and Neue Slowenische Kunst, including slogans like 'Remigration' and images of airplanes. Krasnec warned that such policies could affect Croatia if migrants were returned to countries where they previously registered. He emphasized that AfD's growth cannot be explained solely by ideological extremism but also by voter dissatisfaction with mainstream parties.

Bias read (Conservative): The article highlights the rise of the AfD, an extreme-right party in Germany, and describes its imagery and rhetoric, which include references to neo-Nazism and 'Remigration.' The journalist notes the party’s appeal to voters frustrated with traditional parties and emphasizes the party’s focus on '

Why factuality (75): The article reports on a journalist’s experience at an AfD campaign office during election night, describing the atmosphere, iconography, and public sentiment. It aligns with the primary source document by referencing the AfD’s success and the factors behind it, such as migration policy and dissatis

Why objectivity (60): The tone is somewhat subjective, with the journalist expressing personal impressions and interpretations of the AfD’s image and public reaction. While it does not overtly take sides, the emphasis on certain aspects like the AfD’s extreme right positioning and the fear among voters may reflect a part

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