By John Q. Hosedrinker Over 1 million people took to the streets in Germany recently to rally against the rising power of the far-right party, the AfD. This massive turnout is a powerful display of resistance against the dangerous ideologies and discriminatory agenda that the AfD represents. It is heartening to see so many Germans come together to defend their democratic values and stand against intolerance.
One of the key issues that sparked this protest is the AfD’s support for the idea of “re-migration.” This concept involves expelling non-Germans, or even Germans with immigrant backgrounds, whom the AfD deems as not assimilated enough. It is a clear violation of the fundamental rights enshrined in the German constitution. The right to freedom of expression, the freedom to celebrate one’s cultural heritage, and protection against discrimination based on race, religion, or political opinions are guaranteed by the German basic law. The AfD’s plans to revoke citizenship and deport individuals based on their ethnicity or political beliefs directly contradicts these constitutional protections.
What makes these ideas particularly alarming is their resemblance to Nazi ideology. The Nazis also sought to deport and suppress those who opposed their regime and differed from their idea of what it meant to be “German.” As someone whose great-great-grandfather experienced persecution under the Nazis for his dissenting views, I am deeply concerned by the AfD’s rhetoric and their resemblance to fascist ideology. While we haven’t reached the level of death camps and mass extermination, the parallels between their ideas and those of the Nazis cannot be ignored.
Germany, as a “militant democracy,” has a duty to protect its constitutional order from threats. Article 21 of the German basic law outlines the criteria for banning political parties that seek to undermine or abolish the democratic order. However, the legal hurdles for such a ban are high, and it has only been successfully implemented twice in the 1950s. Despite being declared unconstitutional, the NPD, an openly neo-Nazi party, has not been banned due to its perceived insignificance. The fact that three branches of the AfD have already been deemed unconstitutional further highlights the urgency of addressing the rise of far-right parties.
The situation in Germany serves as a stark reminder for the United States as well. With the upcoming elections, it is crucial that we mobilize enough voters to prevent the far-right from gaining further power. The rise of far-right movements and their fascist ideals should never be taken lightly. They thrive on fear, division, and a sense of economic and cultural insecurity. We must address the underlying conditions that lead people to support these parties and offer alternative solutions that prioritize unity, equality, and justice for all.
Education and remembrance of our history are essential in combatting the spread of far-right ideologies. Germany’s commitment to acknowledging its past and confronting the dark chapters of its history is commendable. The rest of the world, including the United States, should take note and learn from Germany’s example.
Ultimately, the massive protests in Germany against the rising power of the far-right send a powerful message. They show that there are still people who are willing to stand up for democracy, equality, and human rights. They remind us that the fight against