The Rise​ of the Far-Right AfD: A Threat to Democracy

The ⁣recent elections‌ in Saxony, Thuringia, and‍ Brandenburg have sent⁢ shockwaves throughout Germany, with‌ the far-right‍ Alternative for Germany (AfD) party securing significant ⁣gains ‍in all​ three states.

The AfD’s success is a ‍democratic scandal, with the party’s state associations classified as ‌definitively⁢ right-wing extremist by the Office for the⁤ Protection ‌of ​the Constitution. The party’s leading members have ‍been accused of actively striving ‌to network with the spectrum of right-wing extremism, promoting the ⁢elimination of⁢ borders between extremism and the ⁤mainstream.

It ⁤is ‍essential ⁤to‍ acknowledge that not everyone ⁤who votes for the AfD is a right-wing extremist. However, by supporting ‌the party’s state associations, voters are, in effect, sinning against the free democratic ⁣basic order.

The results of the three elections‌ cannot be​ solely attributed to the ⁣problems caused by the Merkel‌ government and the current traffic​ light government. ​The uncontrolled migration, ⁢rotten infrastructure, and lack of doctors, local transport, and day ⁢care⁤ centers in rural areas are ‌legitimate concerns‍ that irritate ⁣many citizens.

The consequences of ‌Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine have also had a significant impact, with inflation, high⁤ energy‍ prices,​ and ⁤the fear of the war spreading to Germany weighing ⁣heavily on many people’s minds. Putin’s⁤ propagandists have ⁤cleverly captured​ these fears, and those who are dissatisfied with the‍ established parties have valid reasons for expressing their anger.

However, ticking the ⁤box for the AfD out of frustration, ‌protest, or whatever feeling ‌is short-sighted, negligent,​ and stupid. It is essential to consider the⁢ impact of such a decision on marginalized communities, including Jews, Germans with​ foreign roots, and⁣ officials from⁢ other parties.

The AfD’s success is also‌ based on ignorance,⁣ egoism, ⁣and anger. It is crucial‍ to confront voters who support the party and make ⁢them feel obligated to justify their voting decision.

The​ democratic-minded majority society must rise above and take action to contain the growing threat​ to democracy. This ‌includes using ‍all means of the ⁢constitutional state, implementing better politics, and engaging in more lively ⁤social debates.

The AfD must not secure any government offices.​ The rule ‌of dividers and ​hate preachers⁢ must be⁢ stopped. It is ‍no longer enough to think ​your way or ​complain in a small circle about⁢ the​ shift to the⁣ right. Anyone who‍ wants ‍to continue living in a ⁣free, tolerant country⁣ based on respect and a balance of interests must raise their voices now.