KQED's Forum Will Germany Turn to the Far Right?
Feb 20, 2025
Guests Jen Kirby, an independent national security reporter, and Sophia Besch, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, dive into Germany's political landscape. They discuss the impending parliamentary elections and the rise of the far-right Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) party, examining its anti-immigrant stance and neo-Nazi ties. The conversation highlights the implications for both European and U.S. politics, alongside the socio-economic factors driving these developments and their potential impact on democratic values.
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AFD Platform
- The AFD's platform focuses on anti-immigration and closing borders.
- They've successfully made immigration a key election issue.
Germany's Remembrance Culture
- Germany's remembrance culture fuels strong opposition to the AFD.
- Younger voters may not share the same historical responsibility.
Vance's Controversial Meeting
- J.D. Vance's meeting with the AFD leader shocked many at the Munich conference.
- It highlighted growing tensions in transatlantic relations.