Colorful map, colorful elections? AfD preferences beyond East and West.

The sharp East-West divide, which becomes apparent in the cartographic representation of regional election results, changes significantly once region-specific characteristics are taken into account. After considering these factors, the higher preference for the AfD is less distinctly an East-West issue. Instead, we find regional patterns in which certain regions in southern Germany also display an increased share of AfD voters. Nevertheless, there remains a stronger preference for the AfD in the East compared to other parts of the country. The remaining difference can be interpreted as a result of culturally shaped values, which lead to different perceptions and evaluations of current events, such as the war in Ukraine and migration.

Kopka, A., & Runst, P. (2024). Bunte Karte, bunte Wahlen? AfD-Präferenzen jenseits von Ost und West. Wirtschaftsdienst, 9, 614.
https://www.wirtschaftsdienst.eu/inhalt/jahr/2024/heft/9/beitrag/bunte-karte-bunte-wahlen-afd-praeferenzen-jenseits-von-ost-und-west.html

Contact: Dr. Petrik Runst