In the coming days, two significant events will influence my connection with Germany. The first, which will attract considerable media attention, carries a somber tone. The second, likely to go unnoticed except by myself and my immediate family, should have been a source of happiness; however, it is now overshadowed by feelings of confusion.
On September 6, voters in the small eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt are anticipated to grant a substantial victory to the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD). Should the results align in a particular manner, this far-right political party could gain power for the first time in Germany since the era of the Nazis.
There exists a possibility that the AfD might not achieve this outcome, contingent on whether sufficient centrist parties surpass the 5% threshold required to enter the legislature. If that scenario unfolds, a coalition comprised of mainstream centre-right and centre-left parties could form, albeit with considerable challenges.
Just two days after the election, I will commemorate my fifth year as a German citizen. I vividly recall the pride I felt on that day in 2021. For many Britons desperately seeking a passport from a European Union nation, the focus was primarily on regaining freedom of movement. For me, it encompassed that aspect, but it was also steeped in emotion.
Having a Jewish father who spoke German, I always sensed a lingering obligation to connect with my heritage. As a young correspondent from 1988 to 1990 in East Berlin, I reported with admiration on the peaceful revolution that culminated in the fall of the Berlin Wall and subsequent reunification. Over the years, I found myself attracted to a Germany that earnestly embraced its responsibilities towards liberal democracy. I admired the seriousness and pragmatism of German society, its political consensus, and its focus on community. In contrast, I compared it to the post-Brexit UK, which my German friends referred to as “clown country.” This left me feeling humiliated by my home country.
When my book, “Why the Germans Do It Better,” was published in 2020, many Germans appeared perplexed. On the prominent morning radio show, Deutschlandfunk, the host repeatedly questioned my perspective, asking, “How could you possibly write that?” It has been rare for Germans to express positive sentiments about their nation, even during prosperous times. Recently, amid economic stagnation and indecisive mainstream governments, a prevailing sense of pessimism has become more pronounced.
Some of this pessimism is warranted. The AfD occupies a radical position within the spectrum of European right-wing groups, with its organization in Saxony-Anhalt and nearby Thuringia classified as extremist by domestic intelligence agencies.
The party’s stances on issues such as “remigration,” its minimization of Nazi history, and its cordial relations with the Kremlin are among several concerning positions. The AfD is also seen as a beneficiary of the Trump administration’s strategy to support “patriotic” parties throughout Europe to avert what it termed “civilizational erasure.”
The implications of the AfD’s ascendance are already visible. The coalition of centre-right Christian Democrats and Social Democrats is plagued by internal discord, with its reform initiatives regarding pensions, healthcare, and welfare struggling to progress. Friedrich Merz’s leadership as Chancellor is perceived to be faltering, and his likely successor, Hendrik Wüst, the premier of North Rhine-Westphalia, seems hesitant to take on the role in such a challenging environment. The issues facing the government extend beyond the current administration or its predecessor under Olaf Scholz. Many characteristics of postwar Germany, once hailed as strengths—such as coalition-building, consensus, and compromise—are now criticized.
Public sentiment is further tainted by disinformation, with support from both the Kremlin and Silicon Valley. Merz’s lackluster performance and often abrasive demeanor would have drawn significant criticism in the past; today, the response ranges from disdain to hostility.
So, how can I reconcile my continued, albeit battered, optimism? In the short term, the most optimistic scenario may be the survival of the current political landscape: the AfD narrowly holding its ground in Saxony-Anhalt and other upcoming regional elections, which I assess as a 50/50 chance. However, this would merely serve as a temporary fix. In the long run, rather than relying on generalized calls to uphold democracy, there is a pressing need for a more assertive approach to policymaking from the political center, characterized by boldness and a willingness to embrace risks.
Germany was once labeled the “sick man of Europe” in the late 1990s, yet it successfully restructured its economy; it was viewed as a paralyzed pacifist, only to dramatically increase defense spending from nearly 1% of GDP to a projected 3.5% by 2029—a significant advance compared to the UK.
Public support for this increase has been notably strong, although less so in the former East Germany. The challenges ahead are considerable: hospitals and schools could greatly benefit from those funds. Nevertheless, a vigorous public discourse has shifted perceptions regarding the threats posed by Russia. This represents courage, and more of it is necessary.
The AfD currently dominates discussions, often for valid reasons; positive developments tend to be overlooked as they do not align with the narrative of inevitable decline. After years of neglecting infrastructure investment, a substantial financial commitment is now beginning to yield positive outcomes. Germany’s strong engineering sector is being redirected towards emerging industries, including aeronautics.
Most importantly, community unity and solidarity remain robust across numerous sectors. I recall a statement made by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier five years ago regarding a positive vision for Germany: “The foreign, the different, the new are not rejected or excluded; they are curiously and eagerly welcomed and integrated.”
Various surveys indicate a public concern over democratic erosion, accompanied by a resolve to strengthen it, particularly among younger demographics. Despite the challenges posed by the AfD, there remains a commitment to uphold the democratic values that define Germany.
