Political turmoil in Germany has allegedly calmed down, leading to a perceived diminishing of political scandals.
In the realm of German politics, trust in journalism has hit an all-time low, according to the 2023 Reuters Digital News Report, with only 43% of internet users believing they can trust most news. Amidst this backdrop, the Aiwanger affair has become a significant talking point, shedding light on the complexities of political journalism and the emergence of new political competitors.
The controversy began when Hubert Aiwanger, Bavaria's Minister of Economic Affairs, was accused by "Süddeutsche Zeitung" of authoring a flyer containing offensive and repulsive content from his school days. The flyer, which some media outlets immediately labelled as antisemitic, has sparked a heated debate, with many questioning Aiwanger's actions and his subsequent responses.
Aiwanger has faced criticism for his inconsistent reactions to the controversy, including memory lapses and what some perceive as salami tactics. He has presented himself as the target of a media and political opponent campaign, a portrayal that resonates with many citizens. However, his claims of not remembering details about the antisemitic pamphlet have been met with scepticism, particularly in light of his talks of a pivotal experience.
Despite the controversy, a ZDF poll revealed that 63% of Bavarians approve of Markus Söder's decision to keep Aiwanger in office, despite calls for his resignation from various quarters. This decision has not been without criticism, with some arguing that it is disproportionate.
The Aiwanger affair has also highlighted the need for objective journalistic authorities in political journalism in Germany. Critics argue that some media outlets, in their eagerness to take sides, have failed to consider evidence thoroughly or entertain doubts. For instance, the "Süddeutsche Zeitung" editor-in-chief demanded Aiwanger's immediate resignation in a leading article, a move that some argue was premature.
On the other hand, the left-wing Taz wrote that Aiwanger benefited the most from the controversy, as his opponents were seen as overzealous election campaigners who found no solid evidence and still immediately called for resignation. This perspective suggests a lack of objectivity in some media coverage.
The Aiwanger affair has also opened up new possibilities in federal politics. Aiwanger kandidierte after the scandal bei der Bundestagswahl as Spitzenkandidat der politischen Partei "Freie Wähler". Meanwhile, a new competitor is emerging in federal politics, with Sahra Wagenknecht indicating that her potential party would focus on ending exclusion of those who deviate from the mainstream. This could potentially challenge the AfD, with their supporters seeing the Free Voters as a moderate alternative and regular AfD voters expressing a willingness to consider voting for a Wagenknecht party.
The Free Voters have also seen growth, with a Hesse poll suggesting potential growth for the party in federal politics. The Infratest Dimap poll, released mid-September, shows 17% support for the Free Voters, two points ahead of the Greens, and the CSU dropping by one percentage point to a record-low 36%.
In conclusion, the Aiwanger affair has served as a catalyst for change in German politics, highlighting the need for objective journalism and the emergence of new political competitors. As the dust settles, it remains to be seen how these developments will shape the political landscape in the coming years.
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