Right turn at a broken traffic light: Germany’s AfD
Jan 23, 2025
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Tom Nuttall, the Berlin bureau chief for The Economist, discusses the recent rise of the AfD party in Germany following the collapse of the ruling coalition. He analyzes the factors fueling the AfD's popularity, particularly in the context of immigration and economic concerns. The podcast also shares poignant stories from Syrian refugees returning home after the Assad regime's downfall, highlighting their emotional struggles and hopes for the future. Additionally, it touches on the legacy of filmmaker David Lynch and his influence on the arts.
The AfD party is gaining momentum in Germany due to effective messaging on immigration and economic issues, igniting electoral concerns.
Syrian refugees are returning home motivated by national duty and emotional ties, despite facing uncertainties after years of conflict.
Deep dives
Challenges for Returning Syrian Refugees
Many Syrian refugees are now facing the decision of returning to their homeland after years of conflict and displacement. Interviews with two refugees highlighted their motivations, which include a sense of national duty and a desire to help rebuild Syria. Despite having established lives abroad, they made the choice to return when it seemed the regime had fallen, indicating a strong emotional pull to their roots. The contrast between their previous stability in the UK and the uncertain future in Syria underscores the complexities and challenges associated with their return.
The Rise of the Alternative for Germany (AfD)
The AfD party is experiencing a surge in confidence as it heads towards the upcoming elections, with recent polling suggesting a support base of around 20%. Factors contributing to this upturn include internal party discipline and a shift in messaging that emphasizes immigration and economic concerns—issues that resonate with many voters. The encouragement from public figures, such as Elon Musk, has further bolstered the party's visibility, despite contentious remarks and radical ideologies. As the AfD gains traction, it raises significant questions about Germany's political landscape and future electoral dynamics.
David Lynch's Unique Artistic Vision
David Lynch's creative genius blended the ordinary with the bizarre, creating cinematic experiences that delve into the darker aspects of human nature. His early works, such as 'Eraserhead,' showcased his fascination with unsettling themes and textures, which stemmed from his childhood in small towns and his observations of hidden secrets behind closed doors. Lynch's television series 'Twin Peaks' captured the duality of small-town life, juxtaposing its serene beauty with underlying chaos. This compelling exploration of light and dark not only defined his films but also mirrored Lynch's own personality, which appeared calm yet was deeply attuned to the complexities of existence.
After the collapse of the governing “traffic light” coalition in December, the hard-right AfD has a renewed swagger. How long can other parties keep it from power? We speak with Syrian refugees heading home at last, following the defenestration of Bashar al-Assad (10:30). And remembering David Lynch, a bright-eyed director of unsettlingly dark films and television (19:34).