Dangerous game: How the AfD challenges democracy!

Dangerous game: How the AfD challenges democracy!

The political landscape in Germany is currently in focus of intensive debates. A central topic is recognition and dealing with the alternative for Germany (AfD), which is supported by a considerable part of the population, around 30%. This raises fundamental questions about democracy, in particular on the formal and material elements that define a comprehensive political participation. As our-mitteleuropa.com reports, the citizens must be questioned in questions that significantly change the foundation of elections. This affects not only the AfD, but also the political role of the European Union and Austrian foreign policy.

A critical point is the revocation of neutrality, which is particularly important in Austria. Here the new Foreign Minister was criticized for pursuing a policy that many are not in line with the will of the population. The focus on Ukraine and the associated trip to Zelenskyj show a removal from Austria's anchored neutrality. This situation is perceived by many as an overreaction and indifference to the will of the citizens, which leads to a feeling that democracy is becoming an empty word.

the AfD at the center of criticism

The AfD is currently facing a changed political climate. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BFV) has temporarily suspended the classification of the party as "secured right -wing extremist endeavor" until the decision on an urgent application from the AfD. This happened after intensive checks that lasted over three years. According to DW.com , the critical view of the AfD is supported by the claim that it propagates an ethnic-parentage understanding, which is not compatible with the democratic order be. In the last federal election, the AfD was able to double its share of votes to almost 21 percent and thus became the strongest opposition group.

The discussion about a possible ban on the AfD was again fueled by the temporary suspension of the judgment. However, critics warn that such measures could be politically motivated, as the party itself argues. The situation is also complicated by the fact that the President of the Protection of the Constitution has not been occupied since November 2023 and was previously valued for his party political neutrality.

increasing dangers from right -wing extremism

Insight into the current situation of right -wing extremism in Germany shows worrying developments. According to constitutional conservation.de , the number of right-wing extremist crimes rose to 25,660 in 2023, an increase of 22.4 % compared to previous year. The violent attacks also increased; 1,148 right -wing extremist acts of violence alone were registered, which corresponds to an increase of 13 %.

The extremist music scene experienced a high in 2023 of events that are considered to be identity -creating and crucial for the spread of right -wing extremists. The number of right -wing extremist demonstrations is also growing, with 367 meetings last year, which illustrates the growing relevance of the topic "migration and asylum" within the right movement.

Overall, Germany and its political institutions face the challenge of how to deal with the growing right -wing extremism. The debates about the AfD and its role in the political landscape are only a piece of the puzzle in a multi -layered picture of democracy, participation and social cohesion.