Extremists have solidified their foothold in German politics
The far-right party AFD became the main power in the eastern German state of Thuringia, securing over 32% of the votes in the state elections, and narrowly came in second place in Saxony.
In a surprising turn, the far-left movement, despite having just formed its party and allied movement, managed to secure more than 10% of the votes, showcasing its strength. One of the most significant developments in German politics in the last decade is the emergence of anti-immigrant rhetoric on both sides of German politics.
This rhetoric has strengthened neo-Nazi right-wingers and also formed a special movement among leftists, which has subtly established its presence among parts of the liberal and left-wing German society, who are worried and angry about the increase in immigration and the influx of refugees, mostly for economic reasons. We previously reported on the danger of extreme behaviors by immigrants, especially Muslims, and various terrorist attacks committed by them, and now the results of those actions can be seen in this election.
The destructive trend of violent actions by immigrants and refugees continues, and it is natural that this segment of German society must find ways to curb the violence of its members. Anger and frustration from xenophobia and racism, if it leads to violence, is a bonus and gift for racists.
Just a few days ago, an Afghan refugee attacked a racist AFD member at the party’s anti-Islam rally, resulting in the death of a German police officer. There are various issues and grounds for dissatisfaction with the German government and centrist parties.
Economic problems, high inflation in previous years, which has now only just reached 2%, and Germany’s stagnant economy have left a bitter taste for the people.
Progressive European and German policies supporting maximum efforts and pursuing serious policies aimed at combating climate change, which alter people’s lifestyles and have economic consequences, are intolerable for many people, and specifically, German right-wingers have garnered significant votes from these dissatisfied individuals.
This phenomenon also had a significant impact on the recent elections in the Netherlands, and right-wing parties benefited greatly from it. Beyond all this, the crisis of cultural, social, and economic differences stemming from ethnic and racial conflicts continues to dominate German politics.
Widespread rallies supporting refugees and immigrants and opposing racism, which are usually held in Germany, have not affected the growth and empowerment of right-wingers in eastern Germany, where there are fewer immigrants, and the majority of the eastern German society is both protesting the imbalance of their situation compared to the west and harboring resentment towards others.
The influence of this part of Germany’s sympathy with Russians and the overt and covert propaganda activities of Russians to radicalize the people of these areas have also been effective in aiding extremists. The AFD party has had no qualms about openly sympathizing with Russians.