Author and jurist Juli Zeh, a long-time resident of a village in Brandenburg, Germany, observes a growing disconnect between citizens and traditional political parties. She expresses skepticism regarding a potential ban of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
The “Firewall” Strategy and the AfD
Zeh believes the strategy of creating a “firewall” – a clear political separation – around the AfD has failed. “The attempt to contain the AfD with this firewall has achieved nothing in the past ten years,” she stated in an interview. She also noted that the AfD’s percentage of the vote continues to increase.
Zeh also argues that a ban on the AfD is not the appropriate course of action. She suggests that a clever AfD official would welcome such a move, stating, “The mere attempt to ban them would drastically benefit the AfD.” While not fundamentally opposed to a ban if it had a realistic chance of success, she believes a failed attempt would provide the party with further momentum.
Root Causes of Support for the AfD
Zeh attributes the AfD’s support in her village in the Havelland region to widespread dissatisfaction with established parties. “They have absolutely no trust in the traditional parties because there is a simple lack of basic services everywhere: education, mobility, healthcare, care for the elderly, affordable housing,” she explained.
She illustrated this with the story of a mother whose daughter was assigned to a school requiring multiple transfers on public transportation. The mother, unwilling to leave her child alone at a train station in the cold and dark, drove her daughter to school, resulting in repeated tardiness and ultimately, her job loss. Though a closer school placement was eventually found, the mother’s employment was not restored. Zeh stated that it is unsurprising people experiencing such hardships would turn to the AfD.
Zeh noted that many AfD voters in her village primarily dislike the other parties, and do not necessarily believe the AfD has solutions. However, she acknowledges the AfD’s ability to connect with voters through “elite hostility and contempt for politicians.”
Zeh expressed concern over a growing disinterest in government among many citizens, warning that this apathy makes people “vulnerable and manipulable by extremists.” She also cautioned against alarmist rhetoric, arguing that constant warnings of impending crisis undermine faith in democratic processes and ultimately aid right-wing populists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Juli Zeh against any attempt to limit the AfD’s influence?
No, Zeh states she is not fundamentally against a ban if there is a realistic prospect of success. However, she believes a failed attempt to ban the AfD would likely strengthen the party.
What does Zeh identify as the primary reason for the AfD’s support in her community?
Zeh attributes the AfD’s support to a deep-seated dissatisfaction with traditional parties, stemming from a lack of basic services like education, healthcare, and affordable housing.
According to Zeh, what is the danger of constant alarmist rhetoric from politicians and the media?
Zeh believes that constant warnings of impending disaster distract from democratic engagement and ultimately benefit right-wing populist movements.
Given these observations about declining trust in established institutions and the appeal of populist messaging, how can political parties and the media work to rebuild faith in democratic processes?
