Saxony-Anhalt: AfD polling at over 40 percent
The number of respondents in a poll in Saxony-Anhalt who said they intend to vote for the AfD in the next state elections rose to above 40 percent for the first time in early May. Although the elections in this economically weak eastern German state are not due to take place until 6 September, the prospect of a clear AfD majority gives the media food for thought. Why have right-wing populists gained so much support? And how can their political rivals counter this trend?
Profiteers of bleak prospects
The AfD is gaining ground in areas with a sluggish economy and a shrinking population, notes Gazeta Wyborcza:
“The pessimistic mood among the German public is fuelled by mounting pressures and uncertainty over the country's stagnating economic situation. In Saxony-Anhalt, the outlook is particularly bleak. This federal state has seen significant population decline and has the highest average age in the whole of Germany (46 years). ... Riding this wave, the AfD is seeking to govern the region – and it is almost certain to succeed. Even if the party fails to secure a majority in the elections, it is likely to be impossible to form a coalition without involving the AfD.”
Yearning for a clean slate
The Süddeutsche Zeitung warns that the AfD's record performance in polls is not even the worst aspect:
“It is the 82 percent of respondents who have little or no confidence (anymore) that the state is fulfilling its duties, that it can provide modern transport and infrastructure, and effective education and training programmes. This is not frustration with the current situation, but a perceived certainty that things will not improve within the existing structures. That democratic politics – as it has functioned in Saxony-Anhalt for 36 years, and in the Federal Republic for 77 – has reached its limits. This sense of powerlessness is fuelling the desire for a clean slate which is at the core of the AfD brand in Saxony-Anhalt.”
Real political debate needed
Political parties must engage in conflict more openly, argues sociologist Nils C. Kumkar in a guest commentary in Der Spiegel:
“In a heated debate about social policy, for instance, the AfD would likely have little to contribute. And when other parties are on the verge of making important decisions on policy direction, the AfD's naysayer stance becomes significantly less appealing. However, new political constellations require openness to unexpected and challenging developments – developments that are likely to go against individual political convictions. ... Finding the courage to engage in conflict over fundamental principles is a demanding task, but it is arguably the only realistic solution to counter the AfD.”
Follow Hungary's recipe
Népszava suggests that the ousting of Viktor Orbán could serve as a model for combating the far right:
“Of course, every country is different, but Hungary's example could be infectious: solidarity between younger and middle-aged generations, between big cities and small towns, and a reassessment of the role of traditional parties could be effective in halting nationalist populism. According to Hegel, the most important lesson from history is that people learn nothing from it. But perhaps they do, once in a while.”