The Rise of the AfD: A Wake-up Call for German Politics
Former SPD politician and bestselling author Thilo Sarrazin views the rise of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as an "urgent wake-up call for the SPD and CDU" on the issue of immigration policy. In his opinion, the Greens are beyond redemption on this matter.
Sarrazin, who recently turned 80 years old, made these remarks at the presentation of a revised edition of his controversial 2010 book, "Germany Abolishes Itself." The updated version, which he titled "The Balance After 15 Years," includes extensive commentary and updated figures.
According to Sarrazin, the CDU/CSU’s candidate for Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has grasped the core issue in migration policy: how to address the concerns of 65% of the population when the established center parties fail to provide "objective and politically appropriate" responses.
Sarrazin believes that the discussion surrounding a so-called "firewall" to prevent cooperation with the AfD is a crucial political question. He argues that "for the SPD and parts of the CDU/CSU to adopt a sensible policy, the threat of potentially making specific decisions together with the AfD is necessary." As long as this threat remains absent, Merz will be "a toothless tiger" in coalition negotiations.
The new edition of Sarrazin’s book, which has sold over 1.5 million copies, includes a review of his previous theses on immigration, demographics, education, and economic development. Blue-highlighted comments and new figures have been integrated into the respective chapters, adding around 60 additional pages of content. The book also includes Sarrazin’s previous response to his critics and a chapter on the media’s reception of his ideas.
"Regrettably, I have been proven right in most of my forecasts," Sarrazin concluded, 15 years after the publication of his contentious book. He admitted that in some areas where he had expected negative developments, the reality had turned out to be even worse. For instance, he highlighted the increase in "alien mass immigration" and the decline in economic performance. He expressed his disappointment with these developments, stating, "I love Germany too much to truly take pleasure in being right."
Sarrazin’s Key Arguments:
- The rise of the AfD is a direct result of the SPD and CDU’s failure to address the concerns of a majority of the population regarding immigration.
- The Green Party has become irreconcilable on this issue.
- A "firewall" to prevent cooperation with the AfD would be counterproductive and undermine Merz’s authority in coalition negotiations.
- Germany has experienced a significant increase in "alien mass immigration" and economic decline since the publication of "Germany Abolishes Itself."
- Despite being proven right in his predictions, Sarrazin expresses regret for the negative developments in Germany.
Implications for German Politics:
Sarrazin’s analysis has significant implications for the future of German politics. His call for a shift in immigration policy by the SPD and CDU aligns with the views of many within these parties, particularly those concerned about the erosion of their traditional voter base.
However, his proposal to engage with the AfD on select issues is likely to face resistance from those who view the party as an extremist organization. The concept of a "firewall" remains a contentious topic, with many arguing that it would legitimize the AfD and provide a platform for its anti-immigrant and populist views.
The debate surrounding Sarrazin’s revised book is likely to continue, as it raises fundamental questions about Germany’s approach to immigration, diversity, and social cohesion.
