A new report by legal experts has found that efforts to ban Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) could be successful — but there would be political dangers to such a move.
‘Successful’ in the very narrow sense that it would be legal to do so. But not successful in actually changing anyone’s politics or the material conditions that give rise to the AfD.
Fascists are not permitted a place in democracy as they are anti-democratic. It’s a simple principle that is part of what the German constitution is founded on. Letting them continue while the complex topics they propose simplistic fascist solutions for are addressed, is not an option.
This is what I was getting at in my comment. There’s got to be an alternative that addresses those material conditions to durably prevent a right resurgence.
Well, it would probably splinter them into a few new parties as their extreme wing would need to be split off to avoid the same thing repeating with the next party.
This milder form would still be popular and the backlash could catapult them to power. But they might be in power soon anyways.
Best case they will get temporarily weakened and the Germans have time to learn from the American deserter and maybe the rise of the far right won’t be en vougue that much.
‘Successful’ in the very narrow sense that it would be legal to do so. But not successful in actually changing anyone’s politics or the material conditions that give rise to the AfD.
Fascists are not permitted a place in democracy as they are anti-democratic. It’s a simple principle that is part of what the German constitution is founded on. Letting them continue while the complex topics they propose simplistic fascist solutions for are addressed, is not an option.
This here. Thatcherism, Schröderism, Reaganism - libertarianism, austerity narratives & politics, “lobbyism” aka pro-billionaire politics aka taking legal bribes - they all helped advance far-right populism to the mainstream.
Plus most other (not even necessarily right-wing) parties helping them along by pointing the finger in the wrong direction: immigrants.
This is what I was getting at in my comment. There’s got to be an alternative that addresses those material conditions to durably prevent a right resurgence.
What did the piano playing kid from Charlie Brown/ Peanuts do?
What did they do besides play the piano?
You missed the joke. I was asking who Schroder is. I know who Thatcher and Reagan are.
Schroder was the name of a Peanuts character that Lucy was infatuated with, who played piano.
I know not of the politician named Schroder.
Well, it would probably splinter them into a few new parties as their extreme wing would need to be split off to avoid the same thing repeating with the next party.
This milder form would still be popular and the backlash could catapult them to power. But they might be in power soon anyways.
Best case they will get temporarily weakened and the Germans have time to learn from the American deserter and maybe the rise of the far right won’t be en vougue that much.
Deplatforming works.
It’s not a silver bullet but it definitely works
Exactly. Since when has the mainstream ever succeeded in de-radicalizing a group of political outsiders?