Democracies on the abyss: East Germany's dangerous political turn!

Democracies on the abyss: East Germany's dangerous political turn!

The East German historian Ilko-Sascha Kowalczuk warns of a dramatic turn in the political landscape of Europe. In an interview with Oe24.at , he explained that the risk of "orbánization" is that we stand on the threshold of authoritarian systems. Kowalczuk expressed these fears during his lecture in Vienna, where he discussed the causes of the strength of the AfD in eastern Germany. His forecasts about the upcoming black and red federal government are dark: Extreme parties will further gain influence by the disappointment of the voters.

The results of the state elections in Brandenburg, Thuringia and Saxony show worrying trends according to Kowalczuk. The AfD has increased to 29.2 percent in Brandenburg, while the alliance of Sahra Wagenknecht, with 13 percent, also severely cuts off, which is an alarming development for democracy, as it is in a interview with NDR Kultur emphasized. Kowalczuk sees the emotional estrangement of the voters in the east as a fundamental factor that favors support for authoritarian structures. Many people feel an anger and disappointment that is characteristic of the political mood in these regions.

The preparations for a dark future

KOWALCZUKS WITH THE FUTURE OF DEMOCATIONS are deeply rooted in his observation of the recent election results. The AfD as the strongest force in Thuringia and the growing probability that such extremist parties will increasingly gain influence, makes it doubt the stability of the democratic order. "The situation becomes far more dramatic than many want to admit," he added. His urgent appeal to politics is clear: no coalitions with the extremists to protect the democratic values.

emotions play a crucial role in political mobilization, and Kowalczuk finds that the AfD cleverly uses social media to achieve young voters. In Brandenburg, where voters are allowed to vote from the age of 16, the AfD has received support of 32 percent in the age group of 16 to 24-year-olds. Kowalczuk warned of the dangers of political passivity, of a society that wants to be authoritarian instead of actively shaping her future.