Berlin - Nicki Kämpf, a concerned parent, contemplated the safety of her family in the wake of Alternative for Germany's (AfD) recent victory in a state election. The rise of far-right parties like AfD has prompted Kämpf and her wife to consider relocating from the eastern states to the more liberal city of Cologne due to fears about the future for LGBTQ+ families.
AfD's success in Thuringia and Saxony has been attributed to discontent with the national government, anti-immigration sentiments, and skepticism towards German military involvement in Ukraine. The party's stronghold in the east has led to official surveillance by the domestic intelligence agency, labeling their branches as 'proven right-wing extremist' groups.
The recent election coincided with the 85th anniversary of Nazi Germany's invasion of Poland, evoking memories of the country's dark past for many older Germans. Holocaust survivor Charlotte Knobloch warned against downplaying AfD's victories, emphasizing the conscious decision made by voters to support the party.
As concerns grow over AfD's appeal to younger voters, political scientist Thorsten Faas highlighted the significance of these early voting experiences on future generations. The success of AfD among the youth has raised alarms, with 38% of voters aged 18-24 in Thuringia supporting the far-right party.
The resurgence of nationalist sentiments has stirred painful memories for many, including retirees Gudrun Pfeifer and Ursula Klute, who vividly recall the hardships endured during and after World War II. Their experiences serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of extremism and the importance of learning from history.
