The long-held strategy of liberal democratic parties to isolate and diminish the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) through a symbolic “firewall” has demonstrably failed, according to acclaimed author and legal expert Juli Zeh. In a recent interview with “Wochenzeitung”, Zeh argued that this approach, pursued for over a decade, has proven ineffective, evidenced by the continued rise in the AfD’s electoral support.
The inability of traditional parties to function effectively without AfD’s support, particularly in regions like Brandenburg where their holding of a blocking minority now impacts vital constitutional appointments, raises serious concerns regarding the practical operation of democratic institutions. Zeh posed a pointed question: “Do we simply cease electing constitutional judges?
Concerning the increasingly debated possibility of banning the AfD, Zeh cautioned that such a move could be counterproductive. She suggested that even moderate AfD figures likely view a ban attempt as desirable, predicting it would serve as a powerful propaganda tool and fuel further support for the party.
Zeh emphasized a broader concern about the pervasive sense of alarmism within media and political discourse. She warned that invoking apocalyptic scenarios – the threat of societal collapse or a third world war – detracts from the vital work of democratic engagement and inadvertently strengthens the position of right-wing populists. “When you proclaim the apocalypse is nigh, who has time for democracy and liberalism?” she stated.
Living in Brandenburg, a region with a significant proportion of AfD voters, Zeh attributes the party’s considerable appeal to a deep-seated disillusionment with mainstream political establishments. This disillusionment stems, she argues, from a fundamental failure to address basic societal needs – accessible education, reliable transportation, affordable healthcare and elderly care and manageable housing costs. Zeh insists that the sole effective weapon against the allure of populism lies in enacting tangible, practical policies that directly tackle these issues, rebuilding public trust and eroding the foundations of support for extremist ideologies. Providing real solutions, she concludes, is the only reliable pathway toward disarming the forces of right-wing populism.