EU Parliament head worried about possible populist gains in Germany

The president of the European Parliament, has expressed concern over a possible success of populists in the upcoming German parliamentary elections and what that would mean for Europe.

Roberta Metsola called on Germany's pro-European parties to stand together on important issues.

"What happens in Germany in the next four years has a major impact on the next four years of the European Union," she told the newspapers of the Funke Media Group in a story published on Saturday.

She described the German parliamentary or Bundestag campaign and results as also "a litmus test for all of Europe. What influence will populist parties gain? she wondered and who "will disillusioned citizens vote for?"

She said the "European election was already a kind of snapshot, but after the state elections in East Germany, I am very concerned."

Rise of populism in the former East Germany

State elections in three east German states in September resulted in a strong showing for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The AfD won the election in Thuringia and came in second in Saxony and Brandenburg. It is however unlikely to be in any of those state governments because long-standing parties have refused to cooperate with it.

The populist Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), a new party running in the state polls for the first time, posted double digit shares in all three elections, nabbing third place in all three.

Metsola directed her appeal at the pro-European, pro-Ukraine parties in Germany: "They should stand together on important future issues."

She also urged the German government to take a clear stance on European matters. "A strong Europe needs a strong Germany. And a determined Franco-German alliance, also complemented by Poland and Italy."