Investigating the Rise of the Far Right in Germany
Aug 15, 2024
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Evan Williams, a seasoned FRONTLINE correspondent, has been investigating the alarming rise of far-right extremism in Germany, particularly with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. He highlights how recent EU elections reflect this troubling trend and discusses the implications for minority communities. Williams shares insights from his documentary work, revealing the normalization of hate speech and violent incidents targeting immigrants. The conversation emphasizes the AFD’s extremist classification and the broader societal impacts of xenophobia in Europe.
The rise of the far-right AfD party in Germany is significantly influenced by public discontent over economic hardship and social neglect.
Increasing politically motivated violence against marginalized communities in Germany reflects the alarming resurgence of extremist ideologies and threats to democracy.
Deep dives
Surge of Right-Wing Politics in Germany
Recent elections in Germany have seen a notable rise in support for far-right parties, particularly the Alternative for Germany (AFD), which has garnered around 30% support in some eastern states. The political landscape indicates a shift towards the far-right, driven by public dissatisfaction with current socioeconomic conditions. Voters express feelings of neglect and economic hardship, leading them to gravitate towards the AFD's promises to address these issues, often blaming immigrants and minorities for their struggles. This burgeoning support positions the AFD to potentially play a pivotal role in upcoming state elections, posing a significant challenge to traditional political entities in Germany.
Escalating Violence and Extremism
The emergence of extreme far-right factions has resulted in a disturbing increase in politically motivated violence in Germany, particularly against marginalized communities. Past incidents, such as the synagogue shooting in Halle and the Hanau massacre, highlight the dangers posed by this rising extremism. Reports indicate that violent plots against institutions and individuals have been developing, revealing an alarming trend of hostility that echoes Germany's historical challenges with extremism. The monitoring of far-right groups by domestic intelligence agencies reflects severe concerns about their capacity to instigate further violence and disrupt democratic processes.
Polarization and Its Impacts Across Europe
The far-right movement in Germany is not isolated; similar trends are emerging throughout Europe, leading to heightened polarization within societies. Economic instability, exacerbated by events like Brexit, has fueled nationalistic sentiment and anti-immigrant rhetoric that resonates across various political landscapes. Comparisons are drawn with recent unrest in the UK, driven by misinformation and scapegoating of immigrants, suggesting a coordinated rise in far-right activism. The pervasive fear is that as these extremist groups gain traction, they will further fracture societal cohesion, perpetuating cycles of violence and discrimination.
In recent EU elections, far-right parties made major gains across the continent, including Germany's AfD party.
FRONTLINE correspondent Evan Williams has been reporting on the rise of the far-right in Germany for years. In 2021, he examined a wave of violence targeting Jews, Muslims, immigrants, and politicians in FRONTLINE’s documentary Germany’s Neo-Nazis and the Far Right.
He returned to the country this year to report Germany’s Enemy Within, a deep look at the rise of the far-right AfD party and its vision for the country, ahead of state elections in September.
“What we noticed over the past few years was the increasing power and strength and popularity of the organized far right — what’s called the ‘new right’ in Germany, in politics,” he told FRONTLINE editor-in-chief and executive producer Raney-Aronson Rath.