Here’s a first-rate article from Germany’s DW. In their post-election analysis, researchers say that the Alternative for Germany‘s success cannot be reduced to any one particular group. Nonetheless, as a community, AfD supporters are unlike other German voters.
Source: AfD mobilized irrational fears of future, especially in the east, say pollsters | In Depth | DW | 25.09.2017
This article puts the AfD election success in context. There are six core threads emerging. Here are the main threads:
- The AfD is strong not just in the east, but also among younger eastern voters
- The AfD recruits significant support from former non-voters on the Internet
- The AfD’s success does not represent a massive lurch to the right
- The AfD is a protest party but not only that
- The AfD depends on fear of foreigners that is actually a fear of the modern world
- The AfD is fundamentally different from other German parties
Time will tell whether these are the only factors. For sure, Germany must face radical change in the workplace, like other advanced countries, and we must hope that those people most affected, especially the young, do not turn to the Far Right.
Since 1945, modern Germany has emerged as a beacon of democracy, with a balance of power between political classes, workers, business and the law, especially the Constitutional Court. Unfortunately, Germany’s post-war success is probably not sustainable for all. Whilst business and the wider economy will continue to grow and compete, Germany’s labour force will potentially become more hostile.
Thoughts?
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