In Berlin, the fate of democracy hangs in the balance as supporters of Die Linke gathered to discuss the recent elections. Despite the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) doubling its support to claim a fifth of the vote, Die Linke emerged victorious in the capital with 21%, prompting cheers and emotional celebrations amongst its followers.
The atmosphere at the event was charged, especially with youthful energy emanating from Ferat Koçak, a charismatic Kurdish-German candidate. His grassroots campaign, unique for Germany, saw him personally visit every household in his district. Activist Isabelle noted that this approach helped the left escape a previous sense of paralysis surrounding the AfD’s rise.
Die Linke’s past support predominantly came from older voters in the former East Germany, but recent trends show a shift. Young people are increasingly drawn to the party’s melding of left-wing economics with anti-racism and feminism, as opposed to the older styles that leaned towards nostalgia for the past. Their appeal is growing, especially among women, a significant portion of whom chose Die Linke over the far-right.
However, Koçak’s victory is tempered by concerns about the prevailing darkness of the political climate. With rising discussions around deportation and migration looming large, he attributes the surge of the AfD to the immense financial stress citizens face today. Many are feeling the crunch of skyrocketing living costs, contrasting sharply with the previously prosperous image of Germany.
The country is facing economic turbulence, with a staggering number of people expressing worry about their financial futures amid rampant inflation fuelled by the energy crisis post-Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. A lack of investment in the economy over two decades has further exacerbated the situation, leaving people disillusioned and aligned with far-right sentiments.
Historically, migrants have filled job vacancies left by Germany’s aging population, but rising anti-immigrant sentiment has made them a scapegoat. The political landscape has shifted right as parties, including the CDU, now propose stricter asylum measures, straying from the defensive stance against the far right that has been held since the World War.
Young activist Helena Marschall expressed concern regarding mainstream parties that are competing to implement harsher deportation policies as an attempt to stave off the AfD. She pointedly critiques how these political games merely legitimise the far-right agenda.
The AfD’s leadership is openly admiring figures like Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, who has dismantled democratic structures through manipulation. This alarming trend, mirrored by far-right movements across the West, indicates a growing threat to democracy, particularly as historical lessons fade in collective memory.
Moreover, Jamil, a refugee who fled to Germany, lamented the decline from a welcoming atmosphere to one marked by hostility towards migrants and a complacent acceptance of rising authoritarian tendencies amongst the political elite. As the new grand coalition prepares to take power, the AfD awaits opportune moments to capitalise on public discontent over lost stability.
Die Linke supporters gathered in Berlin to reflect on elections, celebrating a local win despite the AfD’s rise. Ferat Koçak’s grassroots campaign represents a new hope for the left amidst fear of far-right sentiments fueled by economic stress. While younger generations lean towards progressive issues, concerns about shifting political landscapes remain high as the AfD awaits its moment to exploit the prevailing discontent.
The rise of the far-right AfD in Germany poses a significant risk to democracy as economic discontent and anti-migrant sentiments grow. While Die Linke has gained ground, particularly among the youth and women, the struggle against rising authoritarianism is palpable. The participation of grassroots efforts shows promise for the left, but the overarching challenge remains navigating a landscape fraught with division and potential regression.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
