Minority groups in Germany are sounding the alarm ahead of the upcoming state elections in Saxony, Thuringia, and Brandenburg, warning of the potential rise of the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD). With the AfD polling at around 30% in Thuringia, concerns about the party’s antisemitic ideology and links to extremism are mounting.
Syrian refugee Majid Albunni, now a German citizen, is urging others to speak out against the AfD’s rise, emphasizing the importance of active participation in upholding democracy. The American Jewish Committee and the Central Council of Jews in Germany have also raised concerns about the AfD’s political network and potential impact on the formation of coalitions.
Beyond local politics, the AfD’s policies could have broader consequences, with the party proposing an EU exit referendum and stoking anti-Muslim and antisemitic sentiments. The recent fatal attack in Solingen by a Syrian national has reignited the debate on migration and refugees, which the AfD has capitalized on in its campaign.
Despite these challenges, Albunni remains optimistic about German society’s ability to distinguish between individual extremists and larger groups. As the elections near, minority groups are emphasizing the significant impact these results could have on not only Germany but also the broader European system. The warnings highlight the stakes involved in the upcoming state elections and the potential implications for democracy and tolerance in the region.
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