German mainstream scrambles to thwart rising popularity of the far right | DW News

DW News
27 Jan 202408:04

Summary

TLDRIn Germany, a surge of protests has erupted against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, sparked by controversial remarks on mass deportations reminiscent of Nazi policies. Activists have illuminated Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, spelling 'never again is now' to oppose extremism. Despite growing opposition, the AfD maintains strong support, especially in Eastern Germany. The government, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, faces challenges in countering this rise, with options like banning the party or cutting its funding being debated. Legal constraints and the party's electoral success pose significant hurdles, prompting a broader discussion on strategies to combat right-wing extremism and sway public opinion towards democratic values.

Takeaways

  • 📈 There is growing opposition in Germany against the far-right AfD (Alternative for Germany) party, highlighted by protests and vigils against extremist violence.
  • 🕯 Activists organized a vigil at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate with lanterns spelling out 'never again is now', a reference to the opposition against Nazi crimes.
  • 🚫 Some pressure groups and politicians are advocating for a ban on the AfD or cutting off its funding due to its extremist views and discussions resembling Nazi-era policies.
  • 🇩🇪 Nationwide protests have erupted in Germany, driven by the AfD's discussions on mass deportations and its rising popularity, despite warnings from the government.
  • 🔍 Chancellor Olaf Scholz has publicly condemned right-wing extremists for attacking democracy, amidst the AfD's strong polling numbers, especially in Eastern Germany.
  • ⚖️ Legal challenges to ban the AfD have been considered, but Germany's high legal standards and previous court decisions make such moves difficult.
  • 👥 The AfD's youth wing could be more easily banned as it's classified as right-wing extremist, but this would not directly impact the AfD's overall operations.
  • 💡 Efforts to reduce the influence of radical individuals within the AfD, like B. Höcke, through petitions and potential political bans, are being explored.
  • 🔄 Political analysts suggest shifting the political focus away from immigration to reduce the AfD's appeal, as its support has nearly doubled since the last federal election.
  • 🇪🇺 Internationally, the AfD's radical stance is causing friction with other European right-wing parties, indicating a potential isolation within the broader right-wing populist movement.

Q & A

  • What event took place at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate in opposition to the AfD party?

    -Activists staged a vigil for victims of extremist violence, lit by lanterns at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, spelling out 'never again' as a reference to Nazi crimes.

  • What sparked the outcry against the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party?

    -The outcry was sparked by reports of a meeting involving some AfD members where mass deportations of people of foreign origin were discussed, echoing policies from Germany's Nazi past.

  • What is Chancellor Olaf Scholz's stance on right-wing extremism?

    -Chancellor Olaf Scholz issued a warning, stating clearly that right-wing extremists are attacking democracy and aiming to destroy cohesion.

  • What are the current levels of support for the AfD, according to recent polls?

    -Recent polls show that the AfD has the support of 22% of people, placing it in second place behind the conservatives and well ahead of the parties in the current coalition government.

  • What legal actions are being considered against the AfD?

    -Considered actions include banning the party outright or cutting off its state funding, based on a recent court decision that opened up this possibility.

  • Why is banning the AfD's youth wing considered an easier option?

    -Banning the AfD's youth wing, classified as right-wing extremist by authorities, is seen as easier because it's an association, not a political party, allowing the interior minister to issue a decree to ban it.

  • What challenges exist in banning the AfD as a party?

    -The challenge lies in the high hurdles set by Germany's rule of law, requiring proof that the party is actively working against the Constitution, and a super majority ruling by the court.

  • What strategies are other parties considering to win back voters from the AfD?

    -Other parties are considering shifting focus away from immigration, which is currently framed as a major problem, to other policy areas that deserve attention.

  • How has the AfD's radical stance affected its relations with other European right-wing parties?

    -The AfD's increasingly radical stance has led to potential isolation, even from other European right-wing parties, as highlighted by Marine Le Pen's threat to end their joint EU parliamentary group.

  • What does the involvement of prominent AfD members in extremist ideologies and actions indicate about the party's direction?

    -The involvement of prominent members in extremist ideologies and actions indicates that the AfD has become more radical over time, diverging from the strategy of other right-wing parties in Europe to appeal to a broader electorate.

Outlines

00:00

🔥 Opposition to AfD in Germany

In Germany, there's a significant public and political backlash against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, driven by concerns over its extremist affiliations and rhetoric reminiscent of Nazi policies. Activists have organized vigils at landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, while hundreds of thousands have protested nationwide. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has openly criticized right-wing extremism, emphasizing its threat to democracy, despite the AfD's steady support in polls, particularly in Eastern Germany. Debates are ongoing about the best approach to counter the AfD, ranging from outright bans (challenged by constitutional hurdles) to cutting state funding. Meanwhile, the party's youth wing faces possible prohibition due to extremist classifications, and actions against radical individuals within the AfD, like B. Höcke, are considered. The situation underscores a broader challenge of addressing right-wing populism and extremism within the bounds of democratic and legal frameworks.

05:00

🌍 Strategies Against AfD's Rise

The recent surge in the Alternative for Germany (AfD)'s popularity, evidenced by polls suggesting a doubling of support since the last federal election, indicates a portion of its backers might be open to other political narratives. Experts argue that a strategic shift away from prioritizing immigration as a primary issue could mitigate the AfD's appeal, suggesting a focus on a broader range of policy areas. Attempts by some political factions to adopt a harder stance on migration to recapture AfD voters have proven ineffective, mirroring trends observed across Europe. Internationally, the AfD's increasing radicalization may be alienating it from other European right-wing parties, as indicated by Marine Le Pen's potential disassociation. This scenario illustrates the complexities of countering right-wing extremism in a way that respects democratic principles and the rule of law, highlighting the need for nuanced and multifaceted approaches.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡AfD (Alternative for Germany)

The AfD, or Alternative for Germany, is a far-right political party in Germany that has gained significant attention and support. In the context of the video, it is depicted as a controversial entity, with its rise sparking widespread protests across Germany. The party is criticized for discussions that resemble policies from Germany's Nazi past, particularly regarding mass deportations. The video highlights the societal and governmental concern over the party's ideology and its impact on democracy.

💡Right-wing extremism

Right-wing extremism refers to political ideologies and movements that are characterized by authoritarianism, nationalism, and often racism. In the video, this term is central to understanding the nature of the opposition against the AfD, as the party is associated with right-wing extremist ideologies. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's warning about right-wing extremists attacking democracy underlines the perceived threat they pose to societal cohesion and democratic values.

💡Protests against AfD

The video mentions hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets across Germany to protest against the rise of the AfD and right-wing extremism. These protests are a manifestation of public dissent and are indicative of the significant portion of the German population that disagrees with the AfD's policies and rhetoric, particularly those reminiscent of Nazi-era policies.

💡Brandenburg Gate vigil

Activists staging a vigil at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, with lanterns spelling out 'Never again is now', serve as a poignant symbol of opposition to extremism. This act is a reference to the atrocities of Nazi Germany, emphasizing a collective memory and a warning against the resurgence of similar ideologies. It illustrates the public's commitment to remembering past atrocities and ensuring they are not repeated.

💡Party banning and funding cut

The video discusses the debate over how to deal with the AfD, including proposals to ban the party or cut off its state funding. These measures are contemplated in response to the party's controversial policies and rhetoric. However, the video also highlights the legal and constitutional challenges of such actions, reflecting the complexity of balancing freedom of political expression with the need to protect democratic values.

💡Constitutional Court

Germany's Constitutional Court is referenced in the context of its role in deciding whether a party can be banned or have its funding cut for being anti-constitutional. The video outlines the high legal standards required for such a decision, indicating the robustness of the German legal framework in safeguarding democratic principles while also pointing out the difficulties in taking action against parties like the AfD.

💡AfD Youth Wing

The AfD Youth Wing's potential banning is mentioned as a simpler legal action due to its classification as right-wing extremist by authorities. This segment underscores the distinction between political parties and associations in German law and hints at the government's efforts to curb extremist ideologies among younger demographics.

💡Populist radical right movements

This term is used to describe political movements that combine populism with right-wing radicalism, often focusing on anti-immigration policies, nationalism, and Euroscepticism. The video features an expert on such movements, emphasizing the AfD's position within this broader European context and the challenges it poses to democratic norms.

💡Immigration policy

Immigration policy emerges as a central theme in the video, particularly in the context of political strategies to counter the AfD's narrative. The discussion suggests that a shift in focus away from immigration as a political issue could undermine the AfD's appeal, highlighting the tactical dimensions of political discourse in addressing or neutralizing populist rhetoric.

💡Democratic Center

The call for policies that swing voters away from right-wing populism back to the Democratic Center is a key point in the video. This concept represents a moderate, inclusive political stance that contrasts with the extremist positions of the AfD. It underscores the importance of unity and democratic values in the face of divisive ideologies.

Highlights

Growing opposition in Germany against the far-right AfD party, with activists staging a vigil at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate.

Hundreds of thousands protest across Germany against the rise of the right and the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

Reports of an AfD meeting discussing mass deportations spark widespread outcry, echoing Nazi policies.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz warns against right-wing extremists attacking democracy.

Recent polls show firm support for the AfD, with 22% ready to vote for it, placing it second behind conservatives.

The AfD projected to come first in three regional elections in Eastern Germany.

Debate on how to counter the AfD: banning the party, cutting state funding, or targeting its youth wing.

Germany's constitutional court's high barriers for banning a party.

The majority of current AfD supporters do not hold a closed extreme right-wing worldview.

Government could shift focus away from immigration to reduce AfD's appeal.

Strategies of other parties to win back AfD voters by taking stricter positions on migration have not been successful.

Marine Le Pen's potential threat to end the joint EU parliamentary group with the AfD due to its radical stance.

The AfD has become more radical over the last decade, isolating it from other European right-wing parties.

Expert Kai Arzheimer discusses the difficulty of taking legal action against the AfD due to Germany's rule of law.

Highlighting other priorities and solving problems in a more technical way suggested as a strategy against right-wing populism.

Transcripts

play00:00

now here in Germany there is growing

play00:02

opposition to the farri right afd party

play00:05

activists stage a vigil for victims of

play00:08

extremist violence lit by lanterns at

play00:10

Berlin's Brandenburg gate the light

play00:12

spell out the words never again is now a

play00:15

reference to Nazi crimes and some

play00:18

pressure groups want to ban the afd or

play00:20

cut off its

play00:22

funding hundreds of thousands of people

play00:25

have taken to the streets across Germany

play00:27

they are protesting against the rise of

play00:29

the right and against the alternative

play00:32

for Germany party the

play00:34

afd the outcry was sparked by reports of

play00:37

a meeting in which some members of the

play00:39

afd took part and where mass

play00:41

deportations of people of foreign origin

play00:43

were discussed a plan that echoed

play00:46

policies of Germany's Nazi past the

play00:49

shock was felt all the way to the top of

play00:51

the German government in a video

play00:53

addressed Chancellor Olaf Schultz issued

play00:55

a

play00:57

warning I'm saying it clearly and blunt

play01:01

right-wing extremists are attacking our

play01:03

democracy they want to destroy our

play01:05

cohesion but all the warnings have made

play01:08

little difference recent polls show that

play01:10

support for the afd remains

play01:14

firm 22% of people are ready to vote for

play01:18

it it's in second place behind the

play01:20

conservatives and well ahead of the

play01:22

parties in the current coalition

play01:24

government and the afd is even stronger

play01:27

in Eastern Germany there it is projected

play01:29

to come first in three regional

play01:31

elections later this year so what can be

play01:34

done to stop the afd ban it outright

play01:38

some politicians and many protesters

play01:40

demand

play01:43

that but that's been tried before with

play01:46

right-wing extremist parties and was

play01:48

rejected by Germany's constitutional

play01:51

Court another possibility Cut State

play01:54

funding for the right-wing party a

play01:56

possibility opened up by a recent court

play01:59

decision

play02:01

I have always said that all legal means

play02:02

must be used and that I do not exclude

play02:04

any of them neither a Prohibition

play02:06

process nor cutting of Financial

play02:08

Resources I continue to see it that way

play02:12

but would the Constitutional Court

play02:13

accept such a move aimed at a party that

play02:16

has been voted into the bundist tar and

play02:18

into all 16 Regional

play02:22

parliaments on the other hand Banning

play02:24

the afd youth Wing would be easy it's

play02:26

been classified as right-wing extremist

play02:29

by the author authorities and it's just

play02:31

an association not a political party the

play02:34

interior Minister could simply issue a

play02:36

decree to ban

play02:38

it it must be stated clearly that the

play02:40

young alternatives are radicals and if

play02:43

it has been proven that they are radical

play02:44

opponents of our constitution then we

play02:46

have to take

play02:49

action but that would not stop the afd

play02:52

nor militant neonazi youth

play02:55

groups what about cracking down on

play02:57

radical individuals within the afd

play03:00

this man B hooker is a case in point

play03:03

he's a Nazi a court has officially found

play03:06

and he has enormous influence within the

play03:08

afd hundreds of thousands of his critics

play03:11

have signed a petition to ban him from

play03:13

political office that might work in a

play03:16

couple of years time but would it reduce

play03:19

his influence that's

play03:21

doubtful many of the protesters in the

play03:23

past weeks aimed their anger not only at

play03:25

the afd they also called on Chancellor

play03:28

Olaf Schultz and his min s to stop their

play03:31

infighting and to implement policies

play03:33

that would swing voters away from

play03:35

right-wing populism and back to the

play03:38

Democratic Center let's bring in Kai

play03:40

arima now he's a professor of political

play03:42

science at the University of mes and an

play03:45

expert on populist radical right

play03:46

movements in Europe with a focus on the

play03:48

rise of the afd in Germany welcome to

play03:50

the program and thank you for joining us

play03:52

courts have ruled that some prominent

play03:54

afd members can be called Nazis so why

play03:57

is it then therefore so difficult to

play03:59

take legal action against the

play04:02

party that's because the hurdles for

play04:05

Banning a party in Germany are really

play04:07

high um that's the rule of law for you

play04:10

so the government would have to prove

play04:12

that the party is working actively

play04:14

against the Constitution it's not just

play04:16

enough uh to have an extremist ideology

play04:19

they would have to bring proof that the

play04:21

party is trying to undermine the

play04:23

Constitution even then the court would

play04:25

have to rule with a super majority so

play04:27

six of the eight sitting judges

play04:30

uh would have to deem the party

play04:32

unconstitutional which is obviously a

play04:35

high risk for any government Studies

play04:37

have found that the majority of people

play04:39

who currently say that they would vote

play04:40

for the afd do not have a closed extreme

play04:43

White Ring World View so what do you

play04:47

think I mean for for the other parties

play04:49

that are trying to win them back what do

play04:51

you think could be

play04:53

done MH um so what we have seen is that

play04:57

support for the afd has nearly doubled

play05:00

in the poll since 2022 when we had the

play05:03

last federal election so that suggests

play05:07

that at least some of these people maybe

play05:10

40% maybe half uh of them have not

play05:13

previously voted for the afd and might

play05:15

still be open to um other political

play05:19

messages and one thing the government

play05:22

could do is try and shift the move uh

play05:25

the the focus away from immigration so

play05:28

right at the moment

play05:30

um immigration is framed as the biggest

play05:32

problem in German politics which is

play05:34

simply not true but a lot of attention

play05:36

is focused on that and not on many other

play05:40

policy areas that deserve attention um

play05:43

that's that's something not just for the

play05:45

government but also for the Democratic

play05:47

opposition parties to to ponder whether

play05:50

it's really worthwhile to focus so much

play05:52

on that single issue um yeah sorry yeah

play05:56

no it's okay um how about the position

play05:58

that some parties have been taking

play05:59

taking um to try and win back these afd

play06:01

voters uh basically taking a stricter

play06:04

position when it comes to migration for

play06:05

example I mean tell us a little bit more

play06:07

about that strategy how it's been going

play06:09

down and how you see it playing out yeah

play06:12

uh it's not working very well that's

play06:15

both the experience in Germany and in

play06:17

other countries in Europe um once you

play06:21

frame politics in terms of that single

play06:24

issue voters tend to think well that

play06:26

issue basically belongs to the afd so

play06:29

just um diverting political attention

play06:32

political Capital towards their way it's

play06:34

it's much better um as I said to

play06:37

highlight other priorities and also um

play06:41

solve the problem or solve the problems

play06:44

if there are problems um in in a more

play06:47

technical way and not by grabbing

play06:51

headlines the French uh right-wing

play06:53

populus Marine Leen is also threatening

play06:55

the afd with the end of uh The Joint EU

play06:58

parliamentary group because of of the

play06:59

pot Stam secret meeting is the afd now

play07:02

too right-wing for other European

play07:04

right-wing

play07:06

parties um first that's a very

play07:08

interesting development if you are too

play07:10

far on the right um for marine Leen that

play07:14

really should you uh give some pause uh

play07:17

uh and Ponder your position but you're

play07:19

right um what we've seen in recent years

play07:21

is that radical right parties in Europe

play07:23

have tried to Mellow their appeal and to

play07:27

tone down um their worst attacks on

play07:29

immigrant communities to be more

play07:31

acceptable for a broader segment of the

play07:33

electorate whereas the afd has gone the

play07:35

other way and has become ever more

play07:37

radical over the last decade of their

play07:39

existence so um if if you compare them

play07:43

to many of their wouldbe allies in the

play07:45

European Parliament they appear to

play07:47

become more

play07:49

isolated Kai arzheimer professor of

play07:51

political science at the University of

play07:53

Minds thank you thank you so

play07:58

much