May be the largest in former East Germany • 1.5 million people have demonstrated against the party
On February 23, Germany goes to new elections – and everything indicates that alternatives for Germany (AfD) will get a record result. The party, which has been classified as right -wing extremist in several states by the German security police, is around 20 percent in opinion polls.
“It is currently the only option for us, especially because of migration policy,” AFD member Petra told TV4’s broadcast in Chemnitz.
Not all cities in eastern Germany look like scenes from Communist GDR – but Chemnitz does. The wide parade streets, rows of brutalist concrete buildings and, above all, the seven -meter high statue of Karl Marx’s head, created in 1971 by the Soviet sculptor Lew Kerbel, characterizes the cityscape.
Four years ago, the AfD second in Chemnitz came with 21 percent of the vote. This year, most people believe that the party will be the biggest here – and in the rest of the former East Germany. At the same time, concerns in the country are growing over what a strong AFD result would mean. Prior to the election, over 1.5 million people have demonstrated against the party.
Migration and sanctions against Russia
When TV4 visits the AfD’s election meeting in a ballroom in northern Chemnitz, the room is almost full. A small bar in the corner serves beer to some older men, but most are waiting for the first speaker.
EU parliamentarian Maximilian Krah-who, before the EU election last year, raised criticism after saying that not all German SS soldiers were war criminals-answers the question of what the AfD would do if they ruled Germany.
– We would close the boundaries and stop the inflow of foreigners. In addition, send back many of those who have come since 2015, he says.
Most men in the upper middle age
The AfD also wants to immediately cancel the sanctions against Russia, he says. According to Krah, no support for Ukraine is needed, as Trump will still end the war.
Despite speculation that more young men would vote for the AfD, especially after Elon Musk’s open support, are seen in the audience. The majority, as before, are men in the middle age – as Alexander Hofmann, who voted for the party since it was founded in 2013 in protest against support packages to Greece.
– The economy goes to the forest. Crime is increasing. Young people do not feel confident in the streets, he says.
The meeting starts. Applause and cheer. AfD is a party with wind in the back.