In the fall, the right-wing populist Alternative for Germany could become the strongest force in three eastern German states. Even the recent revelations about right-wing extremist meetings, including ‘remigration plans’, also involving party members, could not significantly weaken the AfD. The exclusion policy does not seem to be paying off. For this reason, the German boss of the “Neue Zürcher Zeitung” suggests in a comment that the AfD should be allowed to govern – thus sparking a heated debate.
In his commentary, Marc Felix Serrao criticizes the fact that the party of Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla is not being portrayed by the media and established parties as a normal political party, but as a “threat to democracy”. For this reason, members and employees would be labeled as anti-democrats, fascists and Nazis. In many places there are warnings that the darkest times in German history will return if the AfD actually comes to power.
“AfD is not a Nazi party”
However, Serrao finds comparisons with the NSDAP extremely historically inappropriate, because: ‘It makes a difference whether a party labels the crimes of National Socialism in German history as ‘bird droppings’, or whether it has committed these crimes.’ The AfD is illiberal and aggressive, but it is not a ‘Nazi party’. According to the journalist, the noticeably growing anti-Semitism in Germany is not due to AfD politicians, but rather to mass immigration from countries where anti-Semitism is “a good form”.
“The role of an outsider is not a punishment”
According to the correspondent, exclusion and panic lead less to a defensive democracy and more to further division – from which the AfD in turn benefits. “The role of the outsider is not a punishment, but a gift,” says Serrao, who therefore proposes: “Let them rule!” Then the party could prove that it can solve the problems it highlights. The ‘NZZ’ journalist mentions Sweden, Finland and Denmark as examples where right-wing populist parties were disappointed as a result of such a role reversal.
The comment quickly spread on social media and caused a lot of controversy. Many people are quite hesitant about the “experiment,” as Green Party politician Peter Heilrath put it in a response: “No, thanks, we’ve done it before.”
One user cites Hungary and Poland as counterexamples to Scandinavia, where damage that is difficult to undo has occurred – not least to the rule of law. Serrao is even being personally attacked for his comment. Author Stephan Anpalagan writes further
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
