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

Summary

In 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.

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

now here in Germany there is growing

opposition to the farri right afd party

activists stage a vigil for victims of

extremist violence lit by lanterns at

Berlin's Brandenburg gate the light

spell out the words never again is now a

reference to Nazi crimes and some

pressure groups want to ban the afd or

cut off its

funding hundreds of thousands of people

have taken to the streets across Germany

they are protesting against the rise of

the right and against the alternative

for Germany party the

afd the outcry was sparked by reports of

a meeting in which some members of the

afd took part and where mass

deportations of people of foreign origin

were discussed a plan that echoed

policies of Germany's Nazi past the

shock was felt all the way to the top of

the German government in a video

addressed Chancellor Olaf Schultz issued

a

warning I'm saying it clearly and blunt

right-wing extremists are attacking our

democracy they want to destroy our

cohesion but all the warnings have made

little difference recent polls show that

support for the afd remains

firm 22% of people are ready to vote for

it it's in second place behind the

conservatives and well ahead of the

parties in the current coalition

government and the afd is even stronger

in Eastern Germany there it is projected

to come first in three regional

elections later this year so what can be

done to stop the afd ban it outright

some politicians and many protesters

demand

that but that's been tried before with

right-wing extremist parties and was

rejected by Germany's constitutional

Court another possibility Cut State

funding for the right-wing party a

possibility opened up by a recent court

decision

I have always said that all legal means

must be used and that I do not exclude

any of them neither a Prohibition

process nor cutting of Financial

Resources I continue to see it that way

but would the Constitutional Court

accept such a move aimed at a party that

has been voted into the bundist tar and

into all 16 Regional

parliaments on the other hand Banning

the afd youth Wing would be easy it's

been classified as right-wing extremist

by the author authorities and it's just

an association not a political party the

interior Minister could simply issue a

decree to ban

it it must be stated clearly that the

young alternatives are radicals and if

it has been proven that they are radical

opponents of our constitution then we

have to take

action but that would not stop the afd

nor militant neonazi youth

groups what about cracking down on

radical individuals within the afd

this man B hooker is a case in point

he's a Nazi a court has officially found

and he has enormous influence within the

afd hundreds of thousands of his critics

have signed a petition to ban him from

political office that might work in a

couple of years time but would it reduce

his influence that's

doubtful many of the protesters in the

past weeks aimed their anger not only at

the afd they also called on Chancellor

Olaf Schultz and his min s to stop their

infighting and to implement policies

that would swing voters away from

right-wing populism and back to the

Democratic Center let's bring in Kai

arima now he's a professor of political

science at the University of mes and an

expert on populist radical right

movements in Europe with a focus on the

rise of the afd in Germany welcome to

the program and thank you for joining us

courts have ruled that some prominent

afd members can be called Nazis so why

is it then therefore so difficult to

take legal action against the

party that's because the hurdles for

Banning a party in Germany are really

high um that's the rule of law for you

so the government would have to prove

that the party is working actively

against the Constitution it's not just

enough uh to have an extremist ideology

they would have to bring proof that the

party is trying to undermine the

Constitution even then the court would

have to rule with a super majority so

six of the eight sitting judges

uh would have to deem the party

unconstitutional which is obviously a

high risk for any government Studies

have found that the majority of people

who currently say that they would vote

for the afd do not have a closed extreme

White Ring World View so what do you

think I mean for for the other parties

that are trying to win them back what do

you think could be

done MH um so what we have seen is that

support for the afd has nearly doubled

in the poll since 2022 when we had the

last federal election so that suggests

that at least some of these people maybe

40% maybe half uh of them have not

previously voted for the afd and might

still be open to um other political

messages and one thing the government

could do is try and shift the move uh

the the focus away from immigration so

right at the moment

um immigration is framed as the biggest

problem in German politics which is

simply not true but a lot of attention

is focused on that and not on many other

policy areas that deserve attention um

that's that's something not just for the

government but also for the Democratic

opposition parties to to ponder whether

it's really worthwhile to focus so much

on that single issue um yeah sorry yeah

no it's okay um how about the position

that some parties have been taking

taking um to try and win back these afd

voters uh basically taking a stricter

position when it comes to migration for

example I mean tell us a little bit more

about that strategy how it's been going

down and how you see it playing out yeah

uh it's not working very well that's

both the experience in Germany and in

other countries in Europe um once you

frame politics in terms of that single

issue voters tend to think well that

issue basically belongs to the afd so

just um diverting political attention

political Capital towards their way it's

it's much better um as I said to

highlight other priorities and also um

solve the problem or solve the problems

if there are problems um in in a more

technical way and not by grabbing

headlines the French uh right-wing

populus Marine Leen is also threatening

the afd with the end of uh The Joint EU

parliamentary group because of of the

pot Stam secret meeting is the afd now

too right-wing for other European

right-wing

parties um first that's a very

interesting development if you are too

far on the right um for marine Leen that

really should you uh give some pause uh

uh and Ponder your position but you're

right um what we've seen in recent years

is that radical right parties in Europe

have tried to Mellow their appeal and to

tone down um their worst attacks on

immigrant communities to be more

acceptable for a broader segment of the

electorate whereas the afd has gone the

other way and has become ever more

radical over the last decade of their

existence so um if if you compare them

to many of their wouldbe allies in the

European Parliament they appear to

become more

isolated Kai arzheimer professor of

political science at the University of

Minds thank you thank you so

much