Kate Connolly in Brandenburg an der Havel
The Guardian
While some see Sahra Wagenknecht’s brand of left conservatism as a bulwark against AfD others see reasons to be wary. Some view her as a potential bulwark against the AfD, others point to its anti-migration rhetoric and Russia-friendly foreign policy
US media made it seem like German people were turning out en masse to support fascists-when in fact less than a third of the only 7 percent of the German electorate that voted last week cast ballots for the extreme right Alternative for Germany(AfD).
In reference to the cynical Nazi slogan Arbeit Macht Frei – Work Makes You Free that the SS had placed at the entrance of Auschwitz, Germany’s present-day anti-vaxxers use the slogan, Vaccinating Makes You Free – in German: Impfen Macht Frei.
My parents are fading right before my eyes – but leftists only exist in my world, not theirs. My powerlessness in the face of my father’s situation reflects the current inability of the societal left to play a meaningful role for the exploited.
Far-rightists glorify one nation united under one language, yet are adept at using translation to spread their politics. E-commerce behemoths like Amazon allow fascism in translation the reach and veneer of a successful global business venture.
With many, it was less joy than sighs of relief; neither Saxon nor Brandenburg voters gave the far-right, fascist-leaning Alternative for Germany (AfD) the Number One position it had hungered for.
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Democracy is in crisis around the world, while authoritarianism is on the rise in a growing number of countries. Existing democratic institutions are hollowed out and increasingly unable to respond to the authoritarian wave.
Germany today, the right-wing AfD cries out, sounding like Adolf Hitler: 'Panicked nightmares are increasing in our land, especially unfortunately among blonde women! And this in our own country. It is insufferable!" And they are winning elections!
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