In recent years, there has been much discussion about the supposed trend of mainstream political parties in Germany moving closer to the far-right AfD. This narrative has gained traction due to a number of high-profile incidents involving politicians from established parties making statements or taking actions that seem to align with the AfD’s ideology. However, a closer look at the facts reveals that this narrative is largely a myth.
One of the main reasons why the idea of mainstream parties cozying up to the AfD has taken hold is the fact that the AfD has successfully pushed certain issues onto the political agenda. This includes topics such as immigration, security, and the role of Islam in German society. As a result, politicians from other parties have felt the need to address these issues in order to compete with the AfD for voters who are concerned about these issues. However, addressing these topics does not necessarily mean agreeing with the AfD’s stance on them.
Another factor that has contributed to the perception of mainstream parties moving towards the AfD is the fact that some politicians have engaged in what has been described as “identity politics” in an effort to appeal to conservative or nationalist voters. This has included statements that seem to endorse a more nationalist or exclusionary view of German identity. However, it is important to note that these statements are often made by individual politicians and do not reflect the official positions of their parties.
Furthermore, the AfD itself has made efforts to position itself as a more mainstream political party in recent years. This has included toning down some of its more extreme rhetoric and focusing on issues that have widespread appeal, such as economic policy and opposition to the EU. As a result, some of the positions taken by mainstream parties may overlap with those of the AfD, leading to accusations of “anbiederung” or pandering to the far-right party.
However, it is important to recognize that the majority of mainstream parties in Germany continue to reject the AfD’s xenophobic and nationalist agenda. While there may be individual politicians who make statements that seem to align with the AfD, the parties themselves have generally maintained a distance from the far-right party. This is due in part to the fact that the AfD’s positions are at odds with the values of mainstream parties, which are committed to an inclusive and pluralistic vision of German society.
In conclusion, while there have been instances of individual politicians from mainstream parties making statements or taking actions that seem to align with the AfD, the idea of a widespread trend of anbiederung to the far-right party is largely a myth. Mainstream parties in Germany continue to uphold democratic values and reject the xenophobic and nationalist agenda of the AfD. It is important to critically examine the facts before accepting the narrative of mainstream parties moving towards the far-right.
