nrc.nl
AfD's Rise in Eastern Germany: Socio-economic Factors and Historical Context
Ahead of Germany's February 23rd election, the far-right AfD party is poised to become the second-largest party nationally, with projections indicating it will be the largest party in all five eastern German states, fueled by socio-economic factors and historical context.
- How do socio-economic factors and historical trends in eastern Germany explain the differing levels of AfD support compared to western Germany?
- AfD's popularity in eastern Germany stems from socio-economic factors and historical context. Eastern Germans exhibit characteristics similar to radical-right supporters elsewhere in Europe: lower trust in institutions, opposition to migration, and a preference for strong government protection. This is partly due to post-reunification emigration of more open and tolerant individuals, leaving behind a population that is more male, less educated, and older.
- What are the key factors contributing to the AfD's significant rise in popularity in eastern Germany, and what are the immediate political implications?
- In Germany's upcoming election, the far-right AfD party is projected to receive approximately 20% of the vote, making it the second-largest party. This surge is particularly pronounced in eastern Germany, where AfD is expected to become the largest party in all five states. This contrasts with the party's approximately 13% support in western Germany, nearly double its 2021 result.
- What are the long-term implications of the AfD's success for the political landscape of Germany, and how might this impact broader European political trends?
- While economic disparities between eastern and western Germany have narrowed, deeper cultural and historical factors continue to fuel AfD's strength in the east. The weaker presence of established institutions like churches and trade unions, along with a history of limited democratic experience, has created fertile ground for radical political movements. These underlying differences are expected to persist across generations.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the rise of AfD in East Germany as a consequence of historical, cultural, and socio-economic factors rather than solely attributing it to specific policies or rhetoric of the party. The use of phrases like "the population of former East Germany seems similar to the typical supporters of radical-right parties in Western Europe" subtly shapes the reader's understanding by implicitly suggesting a pre-existing predisposition towards such ideologies. This framing, while supported by evidence, might inadvertently minimize the responsibility of AfD's actions in contributing to their own rise.
Language Bias
The article maintains a relatively neutral tone, using factual language to describe AfD and its support base. However, words like "radical-right" and "extremist" carry strong negative connotations. While these terms may be accurate, alternative phrasing such as "far-right" or "right-wing extremist" could potentially be considered less charged, depending on context and intended audience. The frequent use of the term 'Ossi' and 'Wessi' might carry implicit bias depending on the reader's familiarity with those terms.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the reasons for AfD's popularity in East Germany, but omits detailed analysis of AfD's platform and policies beyond their stance on migration. While the article mentions AfD's initial focus on eurocriticism and later shift to radical-right views, a more in-depth exploration of their complete political agenda would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their appeal. The article also doesn't extensively analyze the role of media coverage in shaping public perception of AfD.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified dichotomy between East and West Germany, suggesting a clear-cut distinction in attitudes and voting patterns. While acknowledging that differences are lessening, it still emphasizes the unique characteristics of East Germany as a breeding ground for AfD. Nuance is lost by not fully exploring the complexities within both East and West Germany, and the diversity of opinions within each region.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the significant socio-economic disparities between East and West Germany, contributing to the rise of the AfD party in the East. These disparities include lower levels of trust in institutions, lower educational attainment (though nearly universal in the DDR), and higher rates of support for strong, protective governments and anti-migrant sentiment in the East. This points to a failure to address inequalities created by German reunification and subsequent societal shifts, furthering societal divisions and hindering progress towards equitable development.