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Showing posts with label AfD. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AfD. Show all posts
Sunday, February 23, 2025
Saturday, February 22, 2025
AfD Party Could Bring Germany to the ‘Disasters of Nazi Time’ | Former MEP
Feb 22, 2025 | “People in Germany do not want these people in government and responsibility.”
Fears that “nationalist” AfD party will return Germany to the “disasters of the Nazi time” if they win the federal German election tomorrow, says former MEP for Friedrich Merz’s CDU party Elmar Brok.
Fears that “nationalist” AfD party will return Germany to the “disasters of the Nazi time” if they win the federal German election tomorrow, says former MEP for Friedrich Merz’s CDU party Elmar Brok.
Germany’s Far-Right Comeback | NYT Opinion
Feb 22, 2025 | Germany is a world champion at confronting its own history. Through memorial after memorial, the country has attempted to atone for its atrocities during the Holocaust and World War II. “Never again” has become a nationwide slogan.
In this Opinion Video, the satirist Jan Böhmermann — think Germany’s John Oliver — argues that Germany’s repeated and increasingly hollow attempts to “remember away” its Nazi past have actually contributed to the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany Party.
Germany is holding federal elections this month and the threat of a fascist resurgence is knocking on the nation’s door. The AfD is projected to become the second-largest party in the German parliament.
In this Opinion Video, the satirist Jan Böhmermann — think Germany’s John Oliver — argues that Germany’s repeated and increasingly hollow attempts to “remember away” its Nazi past have actually contributed to the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany Party.
Germany is holding federal elections this month and the threat of a fascist resurgence is knocking on the nation’s door. The AfD is projected to become the second-largest party in the German parliament.
A Win for the Right? Trump's Administration and Germany's Election | DW Analysis
Young, German and Voting Far-right | ITV News
German Far-right AfD Wants Mass Deportations, Afghans Worried
Feb 22, 2025 | As the German election approaches, the far-right Alternative for Germany Party (AfD) is gaining momentum by pushing for stricter immigration policies, including mass deportations and its controversial “Remigration” plan for large-scale refugees deportation. Recent violent attacks by Afghan asylum seekers have fueled the anti-migrant sentiment, giving the AfD an opportunity to strengthen its demands for tougher asylum laws.
The AfD argues that Germany cannot solve Afghanistan’s problems and insists on sending refugees back, regardless of the dangers they may face. The far-right party is now polling as the second-strongest political force, while even the center-right CDU has backed tougher immigration measures in Parliament, controversially aligning with the AfD in a move that sparked protests. Meanwhile, Afghan refugee Sara Seerat, who fled Taliban rule, fears that politicians advocating mass deportations fail to understand why people like her are forced to leave their countries.
With the German election just days away, the reaction to these debates could shape the country’s future stance on immigration, asylum, and refugees deportation.
The AfD argues that Germany cannot solve Afghanistan’s problems and insists on sending refugees back, regardless of the dangers they may face. The far-right party is now polling as the second-strongest political force, while even the center-right CDU has backed tougher immigration measures in Parliament, controversially aligning with the AfD in a move that sparked protests. Meanwhile, Afghan refugee Sara Seerat, who fled Taliban rule, fears that politicians advocating mass deportations fail to understand why people like her are forced to leave their countries.
With the German election just days away, the reaction to these debates could shape the country’s future stance on immigration, asylum, and refugees deportation.
Friday, February 21, 2025
Dark Past Returns: The Far Right in Germany
Feb 21, 2025 | "Dark Past Returns" is a powerful and chilling TRT World exclusive documentary that explores the rise of far-right ideologies in contemporary Germany. It examines the forces behind this extremist movement and its growing influence on politics today, revealing the lingering shadow of Germany’s Nazi history.
Niklas Frank, the son of Hans Frank, Nazi governor general in German-occupied Poland, offers a sobering perspective, stating, "We are about 82 million people, and I would say only 1 million of them are really true Democrats. The rest are nothing more than prepared to live in another dictatorship." This highlights the far right’s continued influence, particularly with the rise of the AfD. Through voices like Frank’s, viewers witness the ideological shift in Germany.
The film also exposes the AfD’s dangerous vision and its threat to Germany's democracy. Journalist James Jackson notes, "The AfD is the voice of Pegida … Islamophobia is at the core of their message," emphasising the movement's divisive rhetoric. As fears of migration rise, the film warns of the AfD’s potential to gain power. Niklas expresses deep concern, saying, "If AfD comes to power, they will for sure throw out all the migrants if they can."
TRT World’s documentary also investigates the contradictions within the AfD. Despite the party's manifesto explicitly stating, "Islam does not belong to Germany," Stefan Keuter, a member of the German parliament from the AfD, gave an exclusive interview where he claimed, "The AfD shares many common points with Muslims." He even described Bjorn Hocke, a key figure in the AfD known for his anti-Islam views, as one of the party’s best politicians. The question remains: what is the true face of the AfD?
With stark statements like, "The AfD doesn’t have an economic model … They are spreading lies and creating division," the documentary highlights how the far right manipulates fear and division in Germany.
Niklas Frank, the son of Hans Frank, Nazi governor general in German-occupied Poland, offers a sobering perspective, stating, "We are about 82 million people, and I would say only 1 million of them are really true Democrats. The rest are nothing more than prepared to live in another dictatorship." This highlights the far right’s continued influence, particularly with the rise of the AfD. Through voices like Frank’s, viewers witness the ideological shift in Germany.
The film also exposes the AfD’s dangerous vision and its threat to Germany's democracy. Journalist James Jackson notes, "The AfD is the voice of Pegida … Islamophobia is at the core of their message," emphasising the movement's divisive rhetoric. As fears of migration rise, the film warns of the AfD’s potential to gain power. Niklas expresses deep concern, saying, "If AfD comes to power, they will for sure throw out all the migrants if they can."
TRT World’s documentary also investigates the contradictions within the AfD. Despite the party's manifesto explicitly stating, "Islam does not belong to Germany," Stefan Keuter, a member of the German parliament from the AfD, gave an exclusive interview where he claimed, "The AfD shares many common points with Muslims." He even described Bjorn Hocke, a key figure in the AfD known for his anti-Islam views, as one of the party’s best politicians. The question remains: what is the true face of the AfD?
With stark statements like, "The AfD doesn’t have an economic model … They are spreading lies and creating division," the documentary highlights how the far right manipulates fear and division in Germany.
LGBTQ+ Community in Germany Rally against Rise of Far Right ahead of Elections
THE GUARDIAN: Community grapples with fear over ‘proliferation and normalisation of anti-queer and anti-trans sentiment in politics and the media’
They poured on to streets across Germany by the thousands, waving rainbow flags and signs that read “Choose Love”. Days before an election in which the far right is expected to catapult into second place in Germany’s parliament, the simultaneous rallies in 50 municipalities were billed as a show of strength by an LGBTQ+ community as people braced for what might lie ahead.
“Many queer people are unsettled by the social and political situation,” the organisers of the mid-February, cross-country initiative wrote on their website. “The tone against us is getting harsher, and liberal democracy is under pressure.”
For years, rights campaigners have come up against the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) and its opposition to marriage equality, safe community spaces and access to healthcare and reproductive justice.
Sunday’s election, however, could leave the LGBTQ+ community grappling with an intensified challenge as polls suggest support for the AfD is set to double, yielding a result that would be unprecedented in the country’s postwar history. » | Ashifa Kassam in Berlin, and Jakub Krupa | Friday, February 21, 2025
They poured on to streets across Germany by the thousands, waving rainbow flags and signs that read “Choose Love”. Days before an election in which the far right is expected to catapult into second place in Germany’s parliament, the simultaneous rallies in 50 municipalities were billed as a show of strength by an LGBTQ+ community as people braced for what might lie ahead.
“Many queer people are unsettled by the social and political situation,” the organisers of the mid-February, cross-country initiative wrote on their website. “The tone against us is getting harsher, and liberal democracy is under pressure.”
For years, rights campaigners have come up against the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) and its opposition to marriage equality, safe community spaces and access to healthcare and reproductive justice.
Sunday’s election, however, could leave the LGBTQ+ community grappling with an intensified challenge as polls suggest support for the AfD is set to double, yielding a result that would be unprecedented in the country’s postwar history. » | Ashifa Kassam in Berlin, and Jakub Krupa | Friday, February 21, 2025
Is Germany’s Far Right about to Go Mainstream? | The Take
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Niklas Frank: Son of a Mass Murderer
Monday, February 17, 2025
JD Vance Stuns World with Embrace of Germany's Far-right Party
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Vance Shocks Europe With a Message That He Has Long Promoted at Home
THE NEW YORK TIMES: The vice president’s speech in Munich, expressing support for far-right, anti-immigration parties and criticizing suppression of conservative voices, was a global extension of his core political themes.
Vice President JD Vance’s defense of a divisive far-right political party in Germany was the latest jarring example of his willingness to embrace a provocative political issue and showed how hard-line immigration policy has emerged as the thread tightly knitting together a global patchwork of populist movements.
The thrust of Mr. Vance’s speech on Friday in Munich was a call for European leaders to broaden their tolerance for alternative viewpoints. But his address from inside a Bavarian hotel was certain to resonate back home among conservative and libertarian movements that have long seized on free speech battles in Europe to warn of dangers that could be looming for anti-immigration and anti-abortion activists in the United States.
Mr. Vance did not mention the far-right party, Alternative for Germany, by name, but the context was clear as he criticized a decision to bar certain political parties from the Munich Security Conference just over a week before Germany’s national election.
Although elements of the party, also known by its German initials, AfD, have been classified as extremist by German intelligence, it appears to be on track for its strongest showing yet in a parliamentary election amid anger over immigration and rising prices. » | Michael C. Bender | Reporting from Washington | Friday, February 14, 2025
Vice President JD Vance’s defense of a divisive far-right political party in Germany was the latest jarring example of his willingness to embrace a provocative political issue and showed how hard-line immigration policy has emerged as the thread tightly knitting together a global patchwork of populist movements.
The thrust of Mr. Vance’s speech on Friday in Munich was a call for European leaders to broaden their tolerance for alternative viewpoints. But his address from inside a Bavarian hotel was certain to resonate back home among conservative and libertarian movements that have long seized on free speech battles in Europe to warn of dangers that could be looming for anti-immigration and anti-abortion activists in the United States.
Mr. Vance did not mention the far-right party, Alternative for Germany, by name, but the context was clear as he criticized a decision to bar certain political parties from the Munich Security Conference just over a week before Germany’s national election.
Although elements of the party, also known by its German initials, AfD, have been classified as extremist by German intelligence, it appears to be on track for its strongest showing yet in a parliamentary election amid anger over immigration and rising prices. » | Michael C. Bender | Reporting from Washington | Friday, February 14, 2025
German Chancellor Rebukes Vance for Supporting Party That Downplays Nazis
THE NEW YORK TIMES: At the Munich Security Conference, Olaf Scholz accused the U.S. vice president of unacceptable interference in Germany’s coming elections.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany on Saturday accused Vice President JD Vance of unacceptably interfering in his country’s imminent elections on behalf of a party that has played down the atrocities committed by the Nazis 80 years ago.
A day after Mr. Vance stunned the Munich Security Conference by telling German leaders to drop their so-called firewall and allow the hard-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD, to enter their federal government, Mr. Scholz accused Mr. Vance of effectively violating a commitment to never again allow Germany to be led by fascists who could repeat the horrors of the Holocaust.
“A commitment to ‘never again’ is not reconcilable with support for the AfD,” Mr. Scholz said at the conference on Saturday morning, in an address opening the gathering’s second day.
Mr. Scholz said the AfD had trivialized Nazi atrocities like the concentration camp at Dachau, which Mr. Vance visited on Friday. The chancellor said Germany “would not accept” directives from outsiders about how to run its democracy — and certainly not to work with such a party. » | Jim Tankersley | Reporting from Munich | Saturday, February 15, 2025
A Secret Diary Chronicled the ‘Satanic World’ That Was Dachau: For two years, a prisoner in the German concentration camp kept a journal that would later be used to convict those who had persecuted him and killed his fellow prisoners. »
Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz hat absolut recht, JD Vance zu kritisieren. Es wäre viel besser gewesen, Vance hätte den Maul gehalten! Dasselbe gilt für das Mann-Kind Elon Musk. Die beiden haben viel zu viel über die Innenpolitik anderer Länder zu sagen. Tatsächlich haben sie zu Hause in Amerika genug Probleme zu lösen, ohne sich mit den Problemen im Ausland zu befassen. – © Mark Alexander
Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany on Saturday accused Vice President JD Vance of unacceptably interfering in his country’s imminent elections on behalf of a party that has played down the atrocities committed by the Nazis 80 years ago.
A day after Mr. Vance stunned the Munich Security Conference by telling German leaders to drop their so-called firewall and allow the hard-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD, to enter their federal government, Mr. Scholz accused Mr. Vance of effectively violating a commitment to never again allow Germany to be led by fascists who could repeat the horrors of the Holocaust.
“A commitment to ‘never again’ is not reconcilable with support for the AfD,” Mr. Scholz said at the conference on Saturday morning, in an address opening the gathering’s second day.
Mr. Scholz said the AfD had trivialized Nazi atrocities like the concentration camp at Dachau, which Mr. Vance visited on Friday. The chancellor said Germany “would not accept” directives from outsiders about how to run its democracy — and certainly not to work with such a party. » | Jim Tankersley | Reporting from Munich | Saturday, February 15, 2025
A Secret Diary Chronicled the ‘Satanic World’ That Was Dachau: For two years, a prisoner in the German concentration camp kept a journal that would later be used to convict those who had persecuted him and killed his fellow prisoners. »
Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz hat absolut recht, JD Vance zu kritisieren. Es wäre viel besser gewesen, Vance hätte den Maul gehalten! Dasselbe gilt für das Mann-Kind Elon Musk. Die beiden haben viel zu viel über die Innenpolitik anderer Länder zu sagen. Tatsächlich haben sie zu Hause in Amerika genug Probleme zu lösen, ohne sich mit den Problemen im Ausland zu befassen. – © Mark Alexander
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Why Germany's Far Right Is on the Rise | People & Power Documentary
Feb 12, 2025 | For the first time since the 1930s, the far right is on the verge of a national electoral breakthrough in Germany. February’s snap parliamentary election is looming, with the opinion polls putting the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party second with about 18-20 percent.
The AfD is anti-immigration, anti-European Union, often pro-Putin and is being monitored by German intelligence agencies. Could dissatisfaction with mainstream politics and economic stagnation thrust a German far-right party into real power for the first time since World War II? Most parties rule out power-sharing with the AfD. More than 100 MPs support a move to ban the AfD for "extremism". But how long will the party be ostracised if it continues to surge in nationwide popularity?
People & Power travels across Germany, visiting the AfD party convention, its heartlands in the east, and talks to refugee communities who are feeling increasingly vulnerable to a new wave of anti-immigrant sentiment.
The AfD is anti-immigration, anti-European Union, often pro-Putin and is being monitored by German intelligence agencies. Could dissatisfaction with mainstream politics and economic stagnation thrust a German far-right party into real power for the first time since World War II? Most parties rule out power-sharing with the AfD. More than 100 MPs support a move to ban the AfD for "extremism". But how long will the party be ostracised if it continues to surge in nationwide popularity?
People & Power travels across Germany, visiting the AfD party convention, its heartlands in the east, and talks to refugee communities who are feeling increasingly vulnerable to a new wave of anti-immigrant sentiment.
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Hungary PM Viktor Orbán to Meet AfD Party Leader Alice Weidel | BBC News
Feb 11, 2025 | Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, is due to meet the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party leader, Alice Weidel, in Budapest.
Weidel's far right party shares Alban’s desire to rebuild their relations with Russia, despite the ongoing Ukraine war, as well as his strong anti-immigration stance.
The meeting comes less than two weeks before a parliamentary election in Germany in which the AfD is expected to come a strong second.
Weidel's far right party shares Alban’s desire to rebuild their relations with Russia, despite the ongoing Ukraine war, as well as his strong anti-immigration stance.
The meeting comes less than two weeks before a parliamentary election in Germany in which the AfD is expected to come a strong second.
Sunday, February 09, 2025
Many Are Taking to the Streets in Protest against the Rise of the Far-right in Germany | DW News
Thursday, January 30, 2025
Poland Urges Tesla Boycott After Musk's "Move Past" Nazi Guilt Comment | Firstpost Spotlight
Jan 29, 2025 | Poland Urges Tesla Boycott After Musk's "Move Past" Nazi Guilt Comment | Firstpost Spotlight | N18G
In Poland, outrage over Tesla owner Elon Musk's support of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has now taken the form of a boycott call. After Musked called upon Germans to "move past" its Nazi history, Polish Tourism Minister Sławomir Nitras has called for a Tesla boycott. "There is no justification for any reasonable Pole to continue purchasing Teslas. A serious and strong response is necessary, including a consumer boycott," Nitras told Polish media. Last week, Musk virtually joined an official election campaign for the AfD, giving a speech in which he said Germany "focuses too much on past guilt," adding that "children should not be guilty of the sins of their parents or even their great grandparents."
In Poland, outrage over Tesla owner Elon Musk's support of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has now taken the form of a boycott call. After Musked called upon Germans to "move past" its Nazi history, Polish Tourism Minister Sławomir Nitras has called for a Tesla boycott. "There is no justification for any reasonable Pole to continue purchasing Teslas. A serious and strong response is necessary, including a consumer boycott," Nitras told Polish media. Last week, Musk virtually joined an official election campaign for the AfD, giving a speech in which he said Germany "focuses too much on past guilt," adding that "children should not be guilty of the sins of their parents or even their great grandparents."
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Anti-American & Pro-Russian? The Uncertain Course of Germany's Parties ahead of the Federal Election
Musk Tells Far-right German Party Event There’s ‘Too Much Focus on Past Guilt’
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Alice Weidel Is the Presentable Face of the AfD. And the One Its Opponents Should Fear the Most
THE GUARDIAN – OPINION: By avoiding the standard cliches, the far-right leader comes across as moderate even as she backs extremist rhetoric
“Alice? Who the fuck is Alice?” wondered European audiences in 1995 when the Dutch band Gompie landed an unlikely success by adding this risque line to Smokie’s 1970s hit Living Next Door to Alice. Thirty years on, the question is on many minds again, this time regarding the mercurial co-leader of Germany’s buoyant anti-immigration party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD). Ahead of the German elections on 23 February, many want to know: who exactly is Alice Weidel?
It’s a pertinent question. For the first time since the Nazi era, a far-right party has ambitions to head a German government. The AfD is fielding the 45-year-old Weidel as its first-ever chancellor candidate. She is unlikely to win office this time, but her party is polling in second place and set to double its vote share to over 20%. » | Katja Hoyer | Thursday, January 23, 2025
WELT AM SONNTAG:
MEINUNG: Warum Elon Musk auf die AfD setzt – und warum er dabei irrt »
“Alice? Who the fuck is Alice?” wondered European audiences in 1995 when the Dutch band Gompie landed an unlikely success by adding this risque line to Smokie’s 1970s hit Living Next Door to Alice. Thirty years on, the question is on many minds again, this time regarding the mercurial co-leader of Germany’s buoyant anti-immigration party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD). Ahead of the German elections on 23 February, many want to know: who exactly is Alice Weidel?
It’s a pertinent question. For the first time since the Nazi era, a far-right party has ambitions to head a German government. The AfD is fielding the 45-year-old Weidel as its first-ever chancellor candidate. She is unlikely to win office this time, but her party is polling in second place and set to double its vote share to over 20%. » | Katja Hoyer | Thursday, January 23, 2025
WELT AM SONNTAG:
MEINUNG: Warum Elon Musk auf die AfD setzt – und warum er dabei irrt »
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