Nicki Kämpf, a 29-year-old mother in Berlin, expressed concerns about the rise of the far-right party AfD in Germany following their recent win in the state of Thuringia. Kämpf worries about the safety of her family, including her wife and 1 1/2-year-old daughter, in a political climate where far-right ideologies are gaining momentum. The couple even discussed the possibility of relocating west to Cologne for a more open-minded environment, but they are hesitant to move away from their family in Thuringia and Saxony.
AfD’s victory in Thuringia, led by Björn Höcke, and its strong showing in Saxony are attributed to various factors, including discontent with the national government, anti-immigration sentiment, and skepticism towards military involvement in Ukraine. The party’s branches in these states are under surveillance for being classified as right-wing extremist groups. Despite controversies surrounding AfD, the party’s popularity in eastern Germany is evident.
The 85th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s invasion of Poland coincided with the recent election, prompting far-left protests against AfD in cities like Hamburg, Dresden, and Leipzig. Concerns are also raised among older Germans, particularly Holocaust survivors, who fear a resurgence of nationalism and racial superiority ideologies in the country.
Lukas Meister, a father of two young boys, expressed his worries about explaining the political landscape to his children in the future. Holocaust survivor Charlotte Knobloch emphasized the significance of the recent election results, cautioning against downplaying the support garnered by extremist parties like AfD. The memories of past conflicts and the impact of nationalist ideologies still haunt many Germans, urging them to reflect on history and its lessons.
Visitors Gudrun Pfeifer and Ursula Klute, retirees who experienced the aftermath of World War II, shared their concerns about the younger generation’s support for far-right parties. The echoes of history and the dangers of forgetting past atrocities are poignant reminders for many as Germany navigates through a complex and concerning political landscape.
