A Turkish resident of Cologne said, “It is frightening that a country like Germany has such a high level of support for a right-wing party.”
German individuals of Turkish descent are concerned about the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party’s record-breaking amount of votes in state elections.
Turks, who make up one of Germany’s largest immigrant communities, are concerned that if the AfD obtains more clout at the federal level, it may trigger a rise in xenophobia and the targeting of foreigners.
A Cologne citizen named Hayrettin Kurt stated, “Of course, it is worrying when a far-right party gets 30 percent or more of the votes in Germany.”
“It is alarming that a nation like Germany has such a high level of support for a right-wing party, especially in light of the Second World War,” he continued.
In the elections on September 1, the AfD witnessed a huge increase in popularity, placing first in the state of Thuringia and second in Saxony.
Kurt responded, “They would try to send back asylum seekers,” when asked what would happen if the AfD were to win federal control. The growth of xenophobia is inevitable. There will be more exclusion. For immigrants, daily living will get harder.”
parliamentary majority
This year, the AfD was subjected to weeks of widespread protests after it was revealed that two top party members had attended a meeting to discuss preparations for the wholesale expulsion of immigrants. It has refuted claims that the plan reflected party policy.
Kurt’s worries were mirrored by Cologne kiosk owner Ali Nesanir. “We’re rather concerned about this increase in voting rates. At this rate, I worry that the AfD will join parliament and gain the majority. This is really detrimental to us immigrants.”
German national and born Ali Haydar Gunes issued a dire warning, stating that “the rhetoric of far-right politicians is absolutely wrong.” They have the incorrect policy in place.”
With the AfD’s victory, a far-right party has won a German state election for the first time since 1945.
In Thuringia and Saxony, the party’s vote share increased by 9.4% and 3.1%, respectively, over the previous election.
The mainstream parties, which control both states’ federal governments, have suffered a setback as a result of the results.
