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Haaretz Podcast

'Ironically, Israel's far-right extremists are more normalized than Germany's far right'

Mar 2, 2025
Vera Weidenbach, a German journalist from Table Briefings, and David Issacharoff, an editor at Haaretz, dive into the unsettling rise of Germany's far-right AfD party. Weidenbach warns of the party's neo-Nazi roots and its dangerous normalization in German politics. Issacharoff highlights the Israeli perspective, focusing on Netanyahu's support for the conservative CDU. They discuss the implications for both countries and the nuanced responses from Jewish communities regarding this political shift, raising concerns about alliances amidst global extremism.
23:07

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Quick takeaways

  • The rise of Germany's AfD party, deeply rooted in neo-Nazi culture, signals a troubling normalization of extremist ideologies in mainstream politics.
  • The pro-Israel stance of Germany's new CDU leader Friedrich Merz raises concerns among Jewish communities about far-right rhetoric influencing attitudes toward Palestinians.

Deep dives

Impact of the Far Right on German Politics

The recent German elections marked a significant shift in the political landscape, with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AFD) party capturing 20% of the vote, reflecting a troubling trend in national politics. This surge is regarded as a devastating moment for German democracy, as it symbolizes a rise of extreme ideologies reminiscent of historical fascism. The AFD's growth is particularly alarming given Germany's past with totalitarian regimes, leading to concerns about the potential normalization of such extremist beliefs within mainstream politics. Despite some relief that the AFD did not secure enough power to block significant legislation, their increasing influence underscores a broader societal shift toward polarization.

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