The Edition: Alt reich - is Germany's far right about to go mainstream?
Aug 29, 2024
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Lisa Haseldine, a representative of The Spectator, discusses the rising popularity of Germany's far-right AfD party and its implications for Europe. Katja Hoyer, a historian, provides insight into how the party resonates particularly with younger voters in the East amid economic struggles. Meanwhile, Richard Bratby examines the impact of red tape on traditional hobbies in Britain, highlighting challenges faced by model steam engine enthusiasts. Chris Bradbury weighs in on modern drone regulations, revealing tech's clash with cherished pastimes.
Germany's far-right party, the AfD, is gaining popularity by addressing public discontent over immigration and economic hardships post-2015 migration crisis.
A significant rise in youth support for the AfD indicates a generational shift towards conservative views, fueled by dissatisfaction with traditional political parties.
Deep dives
The Rise of Germany's Far Right
Germany's far-right party, the AFD, is gaining traction as it taps into public discontent related to immigration and economic concerns. The 2015 migration influx, when Chancellor Angela Merkel allowed 1.3 million refugees into the country, created a significant backlash that has only intensified with the ongoing Ukraine conflict. This situation has made the AFD's messaging resonate with voters who feel threatened by unregulated immigration and dwindling living standards. The party is particularly appealing to the youth, who are increasingly frustrated by their uncertain futures and perceive the AFD as a way to voice their grievances.
Bjorn Hoch and the AFD's Ideology
Bjorn Hoch, a leading figure in the AFD, employs a rhetoric that aligns closely with nationalist and sometimes Nazi-inflected ideologies, which resonates with certain voter demographics. His calls for mass deportations of foreigners and emphasis on traditional conservative family values reflect a broader sentiment among voters who feel neglected by the mainstream parties. Hoch's background as a former history teacher adds an unexpected layer to his appeal, as he transitions from a seemingly innocuous figure to a significant voice of the far-right movement. The party's messaging often plays on cultural conservatism, further cementing its role as a challenger to the status quo.
Societal Tensions and Regional Disparities
The AFD strategically positions itself as a voice for East Germans, capitalizing on perceived neglect and economic disparities between the eastern and western states. Voters in East Germany, feeling left behind as the population dwindles, have increasingly rallied around the AFD's narrative that emphasizes local identity and urgency for change. This regional focus allows the AFD to exploit existing frustrations and mobilize support through targeted messaging that resonates with the local populace. Such strategies are evident in the AFD's campaign materials, which are crafted to invoke pride in East German identity and draw attention to the distinct challenges faced by that demographic.
Youth Support and Changing Political Landscape
There is a growing trend of youth support for the AFD, highlighting a generational shift towards more conservative views in response to societal instability. Young voters express concerns over their futures, driven by issues such as an unstable economy, housing crises, and diminished educational opportunities. This demographic shift suggests that traditional left-leaning parties may have taken younger voters for granted, allowing the AFD to gain ground by addressing their unmet needs. The AFD's ability to attract younger voters signifies a potential redefinition of political loyalties, as many youth turn away from established parties they view as responsible for their current predicaments.
This week: Alt reich. The Spectator’s Lisa Haseldine asks if Germany’s far right is about to go mainstream, ahead of regional elections this weekend. Lisa joined the podcast, alongside the historian Katja Hoyer, to discuss why the AfD are polling so well in parts of Germany, and how comparable this is to other trends across Europe (1:13).
Then: why are traditional hobbies being threatened in Britain? Writer Richard Bratby joins the podcast, alongside Chris Bradbury, the drone support officer at the BMFA, to discuss his article in the magazine this week about the challenge red-tape poses to model steam engine and aeroplane enthusiasts (18:47).
And finally: how has sound design changed the world of theatre? The Spectator's chief dance critic Rupert Christiansen argues in the magazine this week that amplified sound has become the default, to the detriment of traditional theatre, and he joins the podcast to discuss (30:15). The director Yael Farber also joins to explain why she sees sound design as the primary sensory experience within theatre (37:55).
Hosted by William Moore and Lara Prendergast.
Produced by Patrick Gibbons.
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