Germany’s Election: Overlooked Issues Amidst the Noise
On Sunday, Germany will elect a new parliament. Yet, in neighboring Austria and Switzerland, only two aspects of the campaign appear to have made any significant impact: the drama surrounding the firewall against the AfD party and the escalating competition over asylum policies. This article delves into some of the issues that have been neglected in the midst of these dominant themes.
The Firewall Controversy
The AfD (Alternative for Germany) is a far-right party that has gained prominence in recent years. In response, several political parties have adopted a "firewall" strategy, emphasizing that they will not cooperate with the AfD under any circumstances. This strategy has been the subject of extensive debate, particularly in light of the possibility that no party will secure an absolute majority.
Critics argue that such a firewall may isolate the AfD and push it further to the fringes of politics. Others contend that it is necessary to prevent the normalization of extreme right-wing views.
The Ascendancy of Asylums
Immigration has been a major issue in both Austria and Switzerland, with both countries experiencing an influx of asylum seekers in recent years. The Swiss government has proposed a referendum to tighten asylum rules, while Austria has announced plans to limit the number of asylum applications to 35,000 per year.
This escalating competition has raised concerns about the erosion of humanitarian values. Critics argue that the focus on reducing asylum numbers is overshadowing the plight of those seeking refuge from war and persecution.
Forgotten Issues
While the firewall and asylum policies have dominated the headlines, other important issues have received comparatively little attention:
- Climate Change: Germany is a major emitter of greenhouse gases, and the upcoming election provides an opportunity to address this pressing global issue. However, it has been largely absent from the campaign dialogue.
- Healthcare: The German healthcare system is facing significant challenges, including rising costs and an aging population. Despite its importance, this issue has also been overshadowed by the more contentious topics.
- Social Inequality: Germany has experienced a widening gap between the rich and the poor in recent years. This inequality has been linked to social unrest and political polarization, yet it has received little attention in the election campaign.
Biathlon’s Swiss Triumph
The Biathlon World Championships are currently underway in Switzerland, but the sport has only recently gained popularity in the country. This is surprising given that Switzerland has a long tradition of firearms ownership and ample snowfall.
The credit for biathlon’s resurgence in Switzerland is largely attributed to two German immigrants: Simon Schempp and Michael Rösch. Both athletes have achieved significant success in the sport and have inspired young Swiss skiers to take up biathlon.
Their contributions have not only boosted Switzerland’s sporting prowess but have also fostered a greater appreciation for biathlon among the Swiss public.
