The Far Right Gains Ground in Germany
By Amber Broder
The German city of Chemnitz made international headlines when over 8,000 individuals participated in neo-Nazi marches in late August. Before this summer, these rallies drew a few hundred participants. The recent increase in support for far-right ideas stems from a combination of factors, including the conservative Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party’s growing power in the Bundestag and country-wide resentment towards an influx of refugees. This increased acceptance of neo-Nazi ideals concerns the older generations that see the similarities between these protests and those that preceded the Nazi Party’s rise to power in 1933.
Germany is famous for its laws banning the encouragement of Nazism and promoting education about the horrors of a Holocaust and its country-wide dedication to honoring victims. While it was the location of one of the worst genocides in history, it receives international recognition for how its attempts to repent for that atrocity. As a result, most thought that widespread sympathy towards Nazism would never regain popularity in Germany.
The September 2017 victory of Germany’s AfD party was the a sign that these views were re-entering mainstream society. It secured 12.6 percent of the vote, overcoming the 5 percent hurdle to enter the Bundestag. Representatives immediately began to capitalize on the growing country-wide anti-immigrant sentiment. They spoke to German citizens’ fears that migrants would bring crime to their country, even as statistics showed that both migration and crime rates were decreasing. Werner Weidenfeld, a political scientist at the University of Munich, believes that the party has found success because it appeals to those who want simple solutions to complex problems. “They [the citizens] are frustrated, afraid, and want a simple answer,” he explained. The AfD finds its most robust base of support in the eastern part of Germany, where the city of Chemnitz is located.
The German government’s friendly stance toward refugees fueled this summer’s protests as citizens grew angry that that their borders remained relatively open, even after a German man was killed by migrants. Economists and politicians support the acceptance of immigrants, citing Germany’s aging society and the creation of a larger workforce. However, some Germans are worried about the lack of immigrant integration in society and the lack of controls on immigration. As a result, some Germans feel disconnected from their government, creating tension that often leads to protests.
The events in Chemnitz are indications of a continent-wide resurgence of far-right beliefs. What started with the Brexit referendum has spread to other European nations as they struggle to handle the refugee crisis. Specifically, the government struggles to balance its desire to assist in humanitarian efforts with the need to protect their citizens. German politicians have yet to find a solution that will satisfy all of its citizens.