German centrists confront fragmentation after far-right, far-left gains

Germany's centrist parties are reassessing strategy after electoral gains by the far-right AfD and far-left BSW, amid weak coalition governments and economic stagnation. The comparison to the Weimar period is rhetorical, but the fragmentation signals a structural shift in the party system that complicates governance. The outcome of this soul-searching is uncertain and will shape the next federal election cycle.