East German Modernism Gains New Attention as Far-Right Party Surges in Germany

A shift in architectural taste is underway in Germany, where East German modernist architecture — known as Ostmoderne — is drawing fresh interest in the urban landscape, appearing in classified listings in Berlin in place of the previously dominant "Mid Century" style. The trend unfolds against a backdrop of political radicalization: a far-right party has achieved a shocking majority in a state election, drawing international press attention and suddenly making the location of Saxony-Anhalt a subject of global news coverage. The development was covered in the Freitag editorial newsletter "Endlich Freitag!" ("Finally Friday!"), which offers the publication's daily look at the day's events. Concerns about Germany's rightward shift extend beyond left-wing and liberal circles: even France's right-wing Rassemblement National reportedly sees no cause for celebration in the election result. The far-right AfD is described as being even further to the right than other radical-right parties in Europe. The juxtaposition of an emerging aesthetic reappraisal of East German architecture with the country's political polarization frames the newsletter's reflection on contemporary Germany.