Following elections in Thuringia and Saxony – where the far-right, anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) won about 30 percent of the votes in both states and took the lead in Thuringia – we asked The Local’s readers if they were worried about the rise in popularity of far-right politics in Germany.

Of the readers who immediately responded to our survey on the topic, 40.9 percent said they were “concerned” and 39.8 percent said they were “extremely worried” about the rise in popularity of the AfD party. 

In other words almost 80 percent are anxious about the direction the country is heading in.

Just under 20 percent of readers said they were not concerned about the solid and steady increase in support for the AfD.

Additionally, asked if far-right parties’ election success makes them question their future as a foreign resident in Germany, 80 percent said it did, whereas 20 percent said it did not. So, four out of five respondents were concerned that the rise of far-right politics could make their stay in Germany untenable.

Why readers are worried by the rise in popularity of the far-right AfD?

Primarily a community of foreign nationals in Germany, it’s no surprise that many readers of The Local feel acutely threatened by the rise of a political party that campaigns on promises of closing borders and deporting immigrants.

Asked to explain why they are worried about the rise of the AfD in Germany, readers had a lot to say.

“There could be policy changes which impact immigration and citizenship for me and my family,” said a reader who identified themselves as Pinto from India.

Many readers mentioned that their concerns are not only for themselves but also extend to their families and children or future children.

“Certainly it makes me anxious not only for me, but also for my kids,” said another reader from India who wished to remain anonymous.

“Growing up in such an environment, my kids will eventually understand the unwelcoming gestures from the locals.” The respondent added that this feeling negatively affects their motivation to contribute to the country.

Such concerns are not limited only to immigrants from outside of Europe. Some foreign residents from European countries also told The Local that they are worried about their security in Germany if the AfD continues to gain influence.

Dmitry, a 35-year-old who lives in Düsseldorf said that as a Russian national he “represents the AfD’s owners”, making light of accusations that AfD politicians have taken money from the Kremlin, following a series of scandals that rocked AfD politicians this summer.

Still, as a non-German, Dmitry sees the AfD as a potential threat to his own existence in Germany: “The normalisation of hatred towards foreigners may affect me too, e.g. if someone hears my accent.”

He added that he’s expecting to receive a German passport soon, but that he cannot be sure that far-right parties wouldn’t take it back if they gained too much power.

Fears are heightened among non-white non-Europeans

While respondents from many different backgrounds shared concerns about AfD policies and speaking points, those with ethnically non-white and non-European backgrounds have reason to feel particularly targeted.

“I’m not worried about myself, as I’m a relatively well integrated European citizen with a German husband,” said Carla, 47, from Portugal. “But I’m worried about the future of other families and people that might not be as well integrated as I am but are also hard workers who just want to live and let live.”

Fatemah, an Indian living in Munich told The Local that she’s concerned about the “possibility of an increase in hate crimes, racism and Islamophobia.”

Such fears are already a reality for some immigrants and foreign nationals, especially those living in Thuringia, Saxony or other eastern states where the AfD has a strong hold.

“AfD’s rising popularity is increasing hate crimes against Muslim foreigners. We always have to be attentive when walking on the road, as someone may attack us,” said a 32-year-old from Pakistan who lives in Saxony.

Even while the AfD remains excluded from governing coalitions for now, it’s been observed that when far-right parties make political gains their supporters feel emboldened, and it can trigger an increase in racism and hate crimes.

Dee, a 37-year-old from Kenya noted her concern that the AfD’s policies “will influence people’s behaviour and attitudes further.”

‘Feels like Never Again is being forgotten’

Following the Holocaust, in which the Nazis systematically killed millions of Jews as well as dissidents and other minority groups, the slogan “Never again” has become a reminder within Germany that fascism should not be tolerated, and can not be allowed to take power in such a violent form.

Opponents of the AfD see similarities between the party’s rhetoric and that of the Nazis – pointing out that the primary difference is that Jewish people have been replaced by Muslim people as the primary target in Germany’s modern far-right circles.

Meanwhile the AfD and its supporters generally try to distance themselves from the Nazis, and claim that such comparisons are inaccurate.

But some respondents to our survey warned that the threat of a fascist movement in Germany needs to be taken seriously.

“The rise of the far right worries me wherever it is,” said Ali, 56, from the UK, “But for AfD to be so popular, it feels like the post war consensus of ‘Never Again’ is being forgotten.”

“This whole thing can escalate very quickly,” warned another reader in Stuttgart.

Marcus, 64, from Australia added that he was concerned that the party won so much of the youth vote even after engaging in anti-gay rhetoric: “Nearly 30 percent of the vote! Hitler came to power with 22 percent.”

“The AfD has made clear what it means to do with foreigners,” said Jamey, 45, from the US.

“We know when this begins, it doesn’t end with only one group. Hate has no limits.” 

Counterproductive policies

Beyond basic concerns about anti-immigration and xenophobic policies, some readers expressed concern that the AfD’s plans would actually exacerbate economic woes in Germany.

“The policies of the AfD and BSW are economically illiterate and go nowhere in terms of addressing the shortage of qualified and experienced workers that are needed to maintain the economy, or meet the requirements of the creaking care sector,” said Darrin, 55, who comes from Australia.

Far-right and populist political parties are known to thrive during times of economic hardship. This is exactly what propelled the Nazis to power in the 1930s in Germany.

As co-president of the Club of Rome, Sandrine Dixson-Declève, previously told The Local, “When people suffer, they look to anything, any message that’s going to make them feel like that next leader is going to help them.” 

READ ALSO: Why a German orchestra is using music to protest against the far-right

Unhelpful anti-immigration policies (which would only exacerbate Germany’s worker shortage) risk creating a sort-of negative feed-back loop where populist politics makes the economic situation worse, and that in turn empowers populist politics.

“Germany needs a mature discussion about the need and benefits of legal immigration, without the simple solutions AFD put forward,” said Mark, 54, from Australia who lives in Cologne.

Why are some foreigners unconcerned?

While the majority of survey respondents were bothered by the rise of far-right politics in Germany, about one out of five said they were unconcerned.

Some of these respondents don’t agree with AfD policies, but don’t feel personally threatened by the party currently.

“I don’t think it will impact me,” one anonymous respondent told The Local about the AfD’s surge in popularity.

For his part, Ryan, 52, from Canada suggests the election results can be seen more as a protest against the current government: “I think it is an inevitable result of the failure of the climate and mass migration policies that other parties are pushing. This was a vote against those policies, not a far-right swing.”

READ ALSO: INTERVIEW – ‘Failed climate policies are fuelling far-right politics in Germany’

There were however a few respondents who endorsed the AfD’s platform.

“AFD and BSW are anti-asylum, not anti-immigrant,” said one anonymous respondent. They added that they are a high-skilled immigrant, and that they think it would be better for Germany if the AfD and BSW governed nationally.

Also among those unconcerned was at least one respondent who opposed the AfD, but had faith in Germany to ultimately resist sliding toward fascism.

“The results in Thuringia are extremely disappointing, and are part of a concerning trend we’ve been observing across Europe…” said Orestis, 30, from Greece. “However, I believe the German people are smart folk and will not be swayed by populists and opportunistic fascists.”

Whether Orestis’ faith in German politics is warranted remains to be seen.