Historian Götz Aly has issued a warning to the German government regarding the need for comprehensive reform in key social sectors. In an interview, Aly cautioned that failing to address critical issues within the healthcare, caregiving and pension systems could lead to developments that threaten the stability of the existing political order.
Aly is preparing to publish what he describes as his final major work, titled “How Could That Have Happened” on August 27th. Published by S.-Fischer-Verlag, the book explores the root causes of the rise of National Socialism. While asserting that Germany is not currently on the brink of a similar crisis, Aly drew parallels to the weakening of the democratic center in the Weimar Republic following 1929, attributing it to the inability of elected officials to enact necessary, yet difficult, decisions.
A key concern, according to Aly, is the burden placed upon younger generations. He argues that failing to address core issues such as education, affordable housing and excessive social contributions will inevitably contribute to political instability.
Aly emphasized that threats to democracy do not stem solely from the rise of the Alternative for Germany (AfD). He characterized the current public mood as negative, with citizens frequently using elections to express their discontent with the established political class. He advocates continued dialogue with AfD voters and members, opposing any attempts to ban the party at this time.
Regarding the increasing instances of antisemitism amidst the conflict in the Middle East, Aly posits that this represents a form of “transfer antisemitism” whereby individuals attempt to disassociate from the historical responsibility for the murder of six million Jews committed by Germany during the Holocaust.