Seeßlen Analyzes Weidel, Meloni, and Le Pen as Postliberal Fascists

In a recent article for the German weekly newspaper Der Freitag, film critic and author Georg Seeßlen examines the rise of right-wing female politicians Giorgia Meloni, Marine Le Pen, and Alice Weidel, framing them as representatives of a new postliberal fascism. The piece, part of the newspaper's 'Endlich Freitag' column, argues that the traditional figure of the 'great dictator' has been replaced by a cadre of 'super-entertainers and influencers' who embrace contradictions as part of their appeal. Seeßlen specifically discusses Weidel's role within the Alternative for Germany (AfD), noting that despite being a lesbian, she serves as a frontwoman for a party with a history of homophobic rhetoric. The article suggests that these women embody a shift in fascist politics, moving away from overt authoritarianism toward a more media-savvy, populist style. The column also reflects on the broader societal dilemma of being unable to stop consuming analyses of figures like Trump and the AfD, despite a desire to disengage. The piece was published on the Freitag website and is part of the newspaper's ongoing coverage of political and cultural trends.