"It’s the Economy, Stupid" – Remarks on the AfD's Performance in Germany's Parliamentary Elections 2017

In his article Fritz Söllner, Technical University of Ilmenau, provides an economic explanation for the notable differences between Germany's old and new Länder in terms of the share of votes won by the AfD. This is based on the negative distribution effects expected from the refugee crisis and creates a link between economic self-interest, attitudes to the government's refugee policy and electoral behaviour.