Right-wing populism : The impact of discourses in policy development How does the right-wing populist party AfD influence the implementation of temporary border controls at the German-Polish border?

This thesis analyzes the influence of the right-wing populist party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) on the implementation of temporary border controls at the German-Polish border. The research question is answered in using a Critical Discourse Analysis approach which uncovers the narratives present in the AfD social media postings, releases on their website, Saxonian newspapers and official policy documents concerning border controls. The frequency of Securitization and Criminalization are noticeable in the discourse, as immigrants are framed as a threat to national security and safety of the public. Other relevant concepts are Economization and Othering, who show to narrate immigrants as an economic burden and outsiders. The findings of this study suggest that their nationalist framing reinforces public fears and anxieties to justify restrictive border policies. Ultimately, this thesis shows the impact right-wing populist rhetoric can have on policy-making procedures, facilitating general understanding of the threat right-wing populism can pose to the European Union.