Anti AfD Firewall Strategy Fails to Stop Far Right Rise in Germany
2 sources across 2 countries · Argentina · United Kingdom
Who reported this
- Infobae
- The Economist
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- Centre-left
- Centre
- Centre-right
- Right
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The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is currently polling at over 40 percent in the state of Saxony Anhalt, where it could potentially secure an absolute majority in the upcoming September 6 elections. This rise occurs despite the Brandmauer, or firewall, a policy of containment used by other German political parties to block the AfD from power. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) formalized this approach in 2018 with a resolution prohibiting cooperation with both the AfD and the far left party Die Linke.
The firewall has extended beyond formal coalitions into general public life. AfD members have been excluded from Bundestag vice presidencies and business group invitations. Some AfD representatives report being treated as invisible by colleagues. In response to the threat of an AfD victory, a broad front of opposing parties, including the CDU, the Greens, the SPD, and Die Linke, have participated in joint demonstrations under the banner Bunt statt braun, which means colorful instead of brown.
Critics of the AfD argue that exclusion is necessary because the party flirts with racism, Nazi imagery, and Vladimir Putin. However, the strategy has not reduced the party's support. Despite attempts by CDU leader Friedrich Merz to win back voters through stricter immigration management, the AfD has shifted further right by targeting culturally foreign workers and advocating for remigration.
How each side framed it
- Centre-right
- Outlets of this lean frame the firewall as a policy that has failed to stop the AfD and has instead disrupted the functioning of German political life.
Sources
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