German politician defends anti-AfD firewall in East Germany
Susan Sziborra-Seidlitz, a Green Party politician, argues that the 'Brandmauer' (firewall) against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) must remain intact. She responds to claims that the firewall has strengthened the AfD in eastern Germany, asserting it is a necessary protective mechanism and a 'real red line.' The article cites a photo of CDU parliamentary group leader Heuer with AfD top candidate Siegmund as emblematic of a creeping normalization of cooperation with the AfD, particularly in East Germany where majorities are fragile. The AfD state association in Saxony-Anhalt has been classified as 'confirmed right-wing extremist' by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution since November 2023, citing racist and Islamophobic positions.
Key facts
- Susan Sziborra-Seidlitz is a Green Party politician.
- She defends the 'Brandmauer' (firewall) against the AfD.
- The article discusses a photo of CDU's Heuer with AfD's Siegmund.
- The photo is seen as normalizing cooperation with the AfD.
- The AfD Saxony-Anhalt is classified as right-wing extremist since November 2023.
- The classification is based on racist and Islamophobic positions.
- The debate centers on whether the firewall strengthens or protects against the AfD.
- The article is from der Freitag.
Entities
Institutions
- Green Party
- CDU
- AfD
- Office for the Protection of the Constitution
- der Freitag
Locations
- East Germany
- Saxony-Anhalt