The German elections have once again brought the topic of fascism to the forefront of political discussions. As the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party gained significant support and secured seats in the Bundestag, many are left wondering how to address this concerning trend. Some suggest that the best approach is to moderate and normalize these extreme views, but the truth is, we don’t need to moderate fascism – we need to oppose it.
The rise of the AfD in Germany is a wake-up call for all democratic societies. It’s a reminder that the fight against fascism is ongoing and requires constant vigilance. But it’s also a reminder that we cannot afford to be complacent. We must actively and vocally oppose these dangerous ideologies, and the recent German elections have shown us that we have a lot to learn from the German left.
The success of the AfD can be attributed to various factors, including the fear-mongering tactics used by the party and the growing discontent among German citizens. But perhaps the most significant factor is the lack of a strong and united opposition. The German left has been divided and weakened, making it easier for the far-right to gain ground.
In contrast, the AfD has shown a remarkable ability to stay united and stay on message. They have successfully tapped into the frustrations and concerns of the German people, offering simplistic solutions to complex problems. And while the AfD’s policies and rhetoric may seem extreme to many, they have managed to appeal to a significant portion of the population.
So what can the German left – and indeed, the left in all democratic countries – learn from this? Firstly, we must acknowledge that the fight against fascism is not just about defeating the far-right at the ballot box. It’s also about actively countering their dangerous rhetoric and ideologies. We cannot let their views go unchallenged, and we must be vocal and unapologetic in our opposition.
Moreover, the left must come together and present a united front against fascism. The infighting and divisions within the left only serve to weaken our cause and make it easier for the far-right to gain ground. We must put aside our differences and work together to promote a more inclusive, equal, and tolerant society.
But perhaps the most critical lesson to take away from the German elections is the need for the left to have a backbone. We cannot afford to shy away from difficult conversations or remain silent in the face of hate and bigotry. We must have the courage to speak out against fascism, even if it means standing alone. We must have the courage to challenge our leaders and demand that they take a firm stance against these dangerous ideologies.
The German left has shown us that when we have a backbone and stand up for our beliefs, we can make a difference. The rise of the AfD has sparked a surge in grassroots activism and mobilization, with thousands taking to the streets to protest against the far-right. This is the kind of activism and resistance that we need to see more of, not just in Germany but around the world.
In the United States, the Democratic Party has also been struggling with how to address the rise of far-right extremism. Some have suggested that the party should move towards the center and try to appeal to more conservative voters. But this approach is fundamentally flawed. We cannot compromise our values and principles to appease those who hold dangerous and oppressive views.
Instead, the Democrats must follow the lead of the German left and take a firm stance against fascism. They must have the courage to speak out against hate and bigotry, even if it means losing some voters. They must also prioritize unity and work towards building a strong and diverse coalition to combat the rise of the far-right.
The German elections have shown us that we cannot afford to be complacent when it comes to the fight against fascism. We must actively and vocally oppose these ideologies and work towards building a more inclusive and tolerant society. And the left, in particular, has a crucial role to play in this fight. We must learn from the German left and grow a spine – because in the face of fascism, there is no room for moderation.
