Former German Federal Health Minister Hermann Gröhe (CDU) has expressed his dismay at the increasingly aggressive atmosphere in the German parliament.
According to Gröhe, the behavior in the Bundestag has become “much sharper in recent years.” He attributes this to the social media, whose algorithms reward polarizing statements, as well as the Alternative for Germany (AfD). The AfD, Gröhe claims, often appears with a “hate-filled” attitude, speaking with disdain towards “system parties” and dividing with hate speech.
Gröhe, a 63-year-old, shared a personal experience, saying that an AfD member even told him he belonged in jail. He also mentioned that women often face even more severe verbal abuse.
Regarding the question of how to counter the influence of the AfD in the parliaments, Gröhe stated that some voters cannot be won back. However, he emphasized that parties in the center need to address the concerns of those who feel threatened by uncontrolled immigration. “Where people have understandable concerns about uncontrolled immigration and are outraged by heinous crimes committed by those who are supposed to leave, like the horrific crime in Aschaffenburg, the parties in the center are called upon to show that we can solve problems and provide the best possible security” Gröhe said.
After 30 years as a member of the Bundestag, Gröhe will not run for re-election in the upcoming elections, marking the end of his parliamentary career in Berlin.