I know why many east Germans vote AfD. And no, it’s not an inherited longing for dictatorship
Grievance politics has grown in the east of the country where I was born. But west Germans have hard questions to answer too
TL;DR
- The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) won a significant victory in Saxony-Anhalt, becoming the biggest party with 44% of the vote.
- The author, with an East German background, expresses concern and notes that AfD voters could be acquaintances or family members.
- The article links the AfD's rise to a troubled relationship between former East and West Germany, citing economic hardships and perceived mishandling of reunification.
- A debate exists whether East Germans have an 'inherited longing for authoritarian solutions' or if West Germans also contribute to the AfD's growth.
- The AfD was founded in West Germany, and its leadership includes individuals from western states.
- The article suggests that the AfD capitalizes on visible inequalities and offers attention and a sense of community to disillusioned citizens.
- The author warns that the AfD's program reflects ideas Germany sought to bury after World War II, making its rise a national concern.
- Historical parallels are drawn to the Nazi party's strength in the same region in 1932.