A German Jewish leader has expressed shock at the AfD’s election results, while a Catholic bishop has called for a stable government that excludes extremist forces. According to Josef Schuster, the President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, the AfD’s success is alarming, as it has doubled its vote share in just three years. Schuster stated in an interview with the Welt newspaper that the AfD’s ideology is openly linked to right-wing extremism and neo-Nazism and that it preys on people’s fears and offers them only superficial solutions.
The bishop of Limburg, Georg Bätzing, who is the chairman of the German Bishops’ Conference, also commented on the election results. He expressed relief at the increased voter turnout, saying that it is a positive sign for the country, as democracy is being taken seriously. Bätzing stated that the majority of voters want to strengthen the democratic center and that this is reflected in the election results.
The bishop called for a swift government formation that excludes extremist forces, but is based on a spirit of mutual understanding and a willingness to seek compromises. He emphasized the importance of democracy and the need for constructive cooperation among the political parties. Bätzing also stressed the need for Germany to be a part of a democratic Europe, upholding values such as the rule of law, freedom and solidarity.
In his comments, the bishop also explicitly excluded extremist forces and those who sympathize with Russia’s actions in Ukraine, stating that they should not set the tone in the new government. He expressed the hope that the election and the new government would strengthen Europe in the face of the current international situation.