Germans Worry About AfD, Comparing It to Nazi Party's Past Influence

Rewritten Article:

The AfD is stirring up controversy in Germany. On one side, the far-right party has been gaining significant support, with polls showing up to 25% approval rating.

On the other hand, a recent survey indicates that a staggering 58% of the population consider the AfD unacceptable, given Germany's historical context. Around half of the respondents perceived the AfD as equally dangerous as the Nazi party (NSDAP) was in the past. Nearly six out of ten participants in a study conducted by the "Stiftung Erinnerung, Verantwortung, Zukunft" (Foundation for Remembrance, Responsibility, and Future) share this sentiment.

The study, titled "Gedenkanstoß Memo," was conducted in October 2024 with around 3,000 people, representing a cross-section of the German population. The study was released to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the NS state.

Keeping the memory of National Socialism's atrocities alive in Germany is crucial for many. However, the study revealed that 20.7% of the participants thought it would be acceptable if future generations disregarded the NS era altogether. Moreover, 38.1% supported the idea of a "final solution" (Schlussstrich), while 37.2% were opposed to it. Around 44.8% agreed with the statement: "I resent that Germans are still held accountable for the crimes against the Jews today."

Lead researcher Jonas Rees from Bielefeld University stated, "Antisemitic, right-wing populist, and revisionist attitudes have noticeably increased compared to previous surveys and have now returned to the forefront of society."

Over a quarter (25.9%) of the respondents agreed with the statement: "Jews exploit the memory of the Holocaust for their own benefit today." Additionally, 12.3% agreed with the statement: "Jews have too much influence in Germany," which represented a significant increase from comparable "Memo" studies in 2022 (3.2%) and 2020 (2.4%).

In the current study, 44.4% of the respondents expressed a willingness to show solidarity with Jewish communities in Germany, while 23.3% flatly rejected this notion, and 32.1% remained undecided. When asked if Germany held a special responsibility towards Israel, 39.8% disagreed, while 28.5% concurred.

The study highlighted a troubling surge in antisemitic attitudes, far-right growth, and intersections between extremist groups. Contributing factors include a polarized socio-political climate, digital radicalization, and foreign influence, as well as institutional challenges such as declining Holocaust awareness among younger generations and inadequate monitoring of extremist networks.

Policy recommendations include strengthening hate speech laws, improving antisemitism education, and banning extremist symbols, as well as holding technology companies accountable for taking proactive steps to deplatform extremists. Grassroots initiatives promoting interfaith dialogues and public figures challenging antisemitism should also be supported.

Critics may question the accuracy of self-reported survey data, and there's a need to balance security with civil liberties in addressing extremism. The study underscores the challenge faced by modern Germany in reconciling its historical responsibility with contemporary extremism. Addressing antisemitism and far-right radicalization will necessitate updating legal, educational, and digital frameworks in line with 21st-century threats.

The study titled "Gedenkanstoß Memo," conducted by the "Stiftung Erinnerung, Verantwortung, Zukunft," reveals that the AfD, a significant player in German politics, is perceived as equally dangerous as the Nazi party (NSDAP) was in the past by nearly half of the respondents.
The survey indicates that while the AfD has seen a remarkable 25% approval rating, a significant 58% of the population consider the AfD unacceptable, given Germany's historical context, with around 20.7% thinking it would be acceptable if future generations disregarded the NS era altogether.
In the same survey, a troubling surge in antisemitic attitudes was also observed, with over a quarter (25.9%) of the respondents agreeing that Jews exploit the memory of the Holocaust for their own benefit today.
The study highlights the need for definitive policy and legislation to combat extremism in politics, general news, crime and justice, and war-and-conflicts, including strengthening hate speech laws, improving antisemitism education, and banning extremist symbols, as well as holding technology companies accountable for deplatforming extremists.
While critics may question the accuracy of self-reported survey data, the study underlines the pressing challenge faced by modern Germany in reconciling its historical responsibility with contemporary extremism, emphasizing the need to balance security with civil liberties in addressing this issue.