Concerns are rising among anti-far-right demonstrators in eastern Germany.
“Nazis out,” they chant as a lengthy procession snakes down the thoroughfare.
An extreme-right political party is anticipated to secure the most seats in the state parliament during the upcoming elections in Thuringia.
Crowds on the street protesting against the far-right
Bjorn Hocke and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) are projected to receive around 30% of the voting share.
The party is also polling well in Saxony and Brandenburg, both of which will hold elections in September.
“I’m here today because there’s a fascist threat in Germany… it’s proliferating globally, particularly in Europe and here in Germany,” states protestor Jurgen.
“We are here to make a statement against the fascist threat.”
Jurgen protesting against the far-right’s rise
I inquire with his companion Monika about the rise in popularity of the AfD.
“People are incredibly frustrated with the government, and they believe they can voice their protest by voting for AfD,” she explains.
Hocke, characterized as anti-immigrant, pro-Russia, and Eurosceptic, has faced accusations of fascism, while the Thuringia division of the AfD is deemed extreme by state security personnel. Nevertheless, proponents argue that they represent the future of Germany.
During the final campaign rally prior to the election in Erfurt, Hocke is welcomed like a celebrity.
Crowds gathered at the AfD rally. Pic: Reuters
He receives several rounds of applause as he speaks to the audience.
From the podium, he vocalizes slogans such as “Germany first,” a phrase borrowed from another populist’s rhetoric.
“The AfD is the sole party that truly represents the people,” asserts Martin, who is part of the gathering.
Immigration, crime, and the economy—individuals cite these perceived shortcomings of the federal government as reasons for their support of AfD.
Many believe the AfD is the only party truly representing Germany
Earlier this year, Hocke was adjudicated guilty for using a forbidden Nazi slogan used by Hitler’s paramilitary.
I ask a mother at the gathering if she views him as an extremist and a threat.
“No, he’s fine; it’s merely propaganda,” she responds.
This sentiment seems prevalent at every AfD event I’ve attended.
However, this isn’t the sole reason why sentiments expressed here feel familiar—whether it pertains to apprehensions about immigration, anxieties surrounding living costs, or a sentiment of being overlooked by mainstream politicians, the issues that drive the far-right rise in Germany mirror those across Europe.
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The capture of an asylum seeker in relation to last week’s deadly knife assault in Solingen has strengthened the AfD’s anti-immigration rhetoric.
Their primary rival, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has also adopted a stricter stance on asylum seekers and migration as they vie for voter support.
They recognize that public discontent fosters the growth of the far-right.
“Social unrest accelerates the rise of populists on both the far-left and far-right, thereby creating a precarious political landscape,” states Mario Voigt, the CDU candidate in Thuringia.
Although the AfD is unlikely to garner sufficient support for outright control of the parliament in Thuringia, the vote on Sunday underscores the ever-widening societal divisions and amplifies concerns among opponents that the far-right is consolidating its influence in Germany.
