The Gist Katja Hoyer on Germany’s AFD and the Limits of Calling Someone a Nazi
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Aug 18, 2025 Katja Hoyer is a German-British historian and journalist, known for her work on East Germany. In this discussion, she tackles the surprising rise of Germany's far-right AFD party and examines why calling them 'Nazis' no longer deters voters. Hoyer explains the societal frustrations fueling this shift, touching on economic concerns and immigration. She also delves into the broader implications of political labels and how Germany's energy policies contribute to extremism, highlighting the complex landscape of modern German politics.
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Banning Fuels Far-Right Momentum
- Banning the AfD is a dangerous and unhelpful idea because it would politicize and legitimize them further.
- Katja Hoyer argues that outlawing Germany's largest-in-polls party risks strengthening its appeal rather than containing it.
Labeling Removed Incentive To Moderate
- The AfD has become more extreme partly because being labeled 'Nazi' from the start removed pressure to moderate.
- Hoyer says persistent ostracism let the party cultivate a far-right identity without costs.
Legal Rulings Cement Harsh Labels
- German courts and commentators have accepted harsh labels for AfD figures, normalizing extreme language in public debate.
- Hoyer notes legal rulings allowed calling certain AfD leaders fascist, embedding those labels into discourse.
