Fear of Violence Drives Precautions Among Migrants as AfD Surges in Germany
Fear of violence has led migrant people and those perceived as such in Germany to take precautions such as carrying alarm buttons and canceling language courses. This comes amidst a rise in xenophobic violence, with incidents reported in cities like Magdeburg and Saxony-Anhalt. Meanwhile, the AfD party's popularity is surging, with 40 percent support in Saxony-Anhalt, potentially making them independent of the CDU in future elections.
The AfD party has recently included the concept of 'Remigration' in their political program, which has been criticized for its association with right-wing ideology. The party's support for this idea has led to fears of increased discrimination and violence against migrant communities. Sasha Marianna Salzmann, a writer with a migrant background and non-binary identity, feels included in the target group and has spoken out against the party's policies.
Friedrich Merz, a prominent politician, has been criticized for a statement perceived as targeting 'others', including those from the East, the Near East, Muslims, and irregular migrants. Human rights lawyer Christina Clemm has suggested that such statements encourage neo-Nazis to target those who don't fit into the 'folkish worldview'. Salzmann argues that the division of people into those who should be removed and those who fit in is unacceptable and reminiscent of past atrocities. She finds it shameful that the protection of Jewish life is being used to erode the right to asylum.
The rise in xenophobic violence and the AfD party's increasing popularity have led to fears of a more hostile environment for migrant communities in Germany. Figures like Sasha Marianna Salzmann and Christina Clemm have spoken out against policies and statements that target and discriminate against these communities. As the AfD gains more support, it is crucial for political leaders to condemn and address the rise in xenophobic violence and discrimination.
