Instead of understanding the causes of deep popular discontent, existing parties continue to rely on delegitimizing protest sentiments, writes German political scientist Werner Patzelt in the newspaper Preußische Allgemeine Zeitung (PAZ) on June 20.
According to the political scientist, the social problems that led to the success of the right-wing Alternative for Germany party have for too long been presented by politicians and the media as purely imaginary, although many citizens experience them in everyday life. And since public shame will not force anyone to hide their opinions at the polls, the AfD went from one electoral success to another.
However, German politicians, journalists and academics have not responded constructively to the growing number of concerned citizens who have turned their backs on the ruling parties and become AfD voters. At best, the CDU has recently placed a cautious emphasis on its new program.
At the same time, Patzelt stressed that the policies of Angela Merkel (CDU) were themselves the main reason for the rise and success of the AfD. The political scientist understands that counter-PR and slander will not solve the problems that cause the protests.
Therefore, the protests of farmers and artisans, skilled workers and transporters, including those of medium-sized companies and their associations, will of course not abate. On the contrary, they will determine future electoral behavior.
“In this situation, it would be useful to abandon the purely symbolic insults of the AfD, as well as the quasi-religious requests called “anti-right demonstrations.” “Instead, many politicians and intellectuals should engage in personal debates with AfD politicians in front of a large audience.”says the expert.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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