Future in danger: historians warn of authoritarian currents in Germany

Future in danger: historians warn of authoritarian currents in Germany

Wien, Österreich - The historian Ilko-Sascha Kowalczuk urges against the endangerment of democracy in Europe and especially in Germany. In an interview with Vol.at he expressed his concern about a possible "orbánization" that is considered a harbinger of an authoritarian age. Kowalczuk, who grew up in the GDR, recalls how easily a society in Egy can go to authoritarian system and emphasizes that the rise of populist, extremist forces, such as the AfD, has assumed alarming dimensions. In the state elections recently carried out in Brandenburg, such as ndr.de , the AfD achieved over 29 percent of the vote Strength while the SPD just won the choice. Kowalczuk explained that the political landscape in East Germany reflects a radical shock that is reinforced by uncertainties.

extremism and emotions

Kowalczuk emphasizes that simple solutions from extremists receive disproportionate encouragement in times of great uncertainty. The success of populist parties such as the AfD and the new alliance of Sahra Wagenknecht, which jointly propagate authoritarian ideas, threatens our democratic basic order. "The political situation is already more dramatic than many want to admit," said Kowalczuk. Emotions play a crucial role because many people in eastern Germany convert their frustration about the situation into an incomprehensible hatred to everything that has to do with the West. This means that young voters also choose the AfD in Brandenburg, although the economic situation in the East German federal states is more good than ever.

KOWALCZUKS warnings illustrate the need for a stronger commitment to democracy and rejecting coalitions with extremist forces. His vital demands are not only addressed to politics, but also encourages society to actively work for democracy and to counter misanthropic statements. "The majority in Europe wants to stick to freedom and democracy," he emphasizes, emphasizing that these basic values now have to be protected more than ever to counteract the impending authoritarian wave.