Germany stands at a pivotal moment as the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party is poised to make significant gains in the forthcoming election, potentially claiming an unprecedented second place. This development has stirred deep concerns about the future of the nation. The AfD's success in sowing new divisions across Germany is alarming, with its ranks reportedly including neo-Nazis. This political shift raises questions about the country's social fabric, especially as millions express fear over the rise of far-right ideologies.
Amidst these political dynamics, Germany grapples with various socio-economic challenges. Over 5,000 Syrian doctors are fully employed in the country, and any potential remigration could trigger a "critical shortage" in medical services. The migrant community, integral to Germany's socio-economic landscape, faces increasing threats. Reports of individuals being spat on, sworn at, attacked, and even punched have surfaced, prompting migrant groups to warn of a spike in such incidents. The situation is exacerbated by misleading narratives that link migration to crime, despite a study by the Munich-based Ifo Institute finding no correlation between the two.
Germany's federal anti-discrimination commissioner, Ferda Ataman, attributes the far-right's ascent to a "discrimination crisis," citing over 20,000 cases between 2021 and 2023. The political narrative appears to have neglected the country's diversity and the potential it holds in addressing various challenges.
“Millions of people are afraid for their future,” – Ferda Ataman
The campaign has exposed politicians' inability to effectively address critical issues such as ageing infrastructure and an ailing economy. Instead, the focus on migration has allowed many to sidestep pressing challenges like soaring housing costs and the climate crisis. Over one million individuals fleeing conflict and persecution have found refuge in Germany since 2015, yet the absence of an inclusive model has fanned the flames of scapegoating.
“In view of the electoral successes of right-wing extremists, it is more important than ever to protect people effectively from hatred and exclusion.” – Ferda Ataman
The AfD has tapped into these sentiments, making promises of remigration and repeatedly linking migration to crime. This rhetoric unfairly stigmatizes millions of peaceful Germans with diverse origins. Markus Beeko highlights the impact on those who feel marginalized.
“And I think for many people who feel attacked – be it that you are female, transgender, or have a different cultural background – for many people it really stresses the feeling that they don’t belong,” – Markus Beeko
“You don’t see that there’s enough sensitivity around the fact that this is a debate where everyone should stand up. Like if you’re in a workplace, you want people to say ‘OK, we understand that this is an attack on you as a colleague and we are standing with you.’” – Markus Beeko
Political observers note that some parties that identify as democratic or centre-right have adopted techniques traditionally associated with far-right ideologies.
“I know that has worked before and especially in Germany, but it’s just a super dangerous game,” – Ricketts
“And I think it’s quite shameful for the parties that call themselves democratic and centre, or centre-right, to adopt those kinds of techniques.” – Ricketts
The concerns extend beyond political circles. Jean-Victor Alipour emphasizes the importance of protecting all vulnerable groups from discrimination.
“The same applies in particular to refugees,” – Jean-Victor Alipour
Samira underscores the vital role migrants play in Germany's society and economy.
“Migrants are a big part of Berlin and Germany in general,” – Samira
“Without migrants, we wouldn’t have a lot of things that we currently have … I don’t really see why we should push them out.” – Samira
For many Germans like Cihan Sinanoğlu, the current climate has created a sense of alienation in their own homeland.
“It’s the first time, I would say, that I really feel like a foreigner in my own country,” – Cihan Sinanoğlu