German Far-Right Party Distributes Controversial Election Flyers
Campaign Sparks Backlash and Comparison to Nazi Era
BERLIN: German police have launched an investigation into the distribution of controversial election campaign flyers by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The flyers, titled "Deportation Ticket," have sparked widespread criticism and comparison to the one-way tickets to Jerusalem distributed by the Nazis in the 1930s.
Flyers Feature Deportation Demands
The flyers, distributed in the southwestern city of Karlsruhe, feature the passenger name as "Illegal Immigrant" and the destination as "Safe Country of Origin." They also list AfD campaign demands, including cutting benefits for non-Germans and an end to "Islamisation." Several migrants have taken to social media to share their experiences of receiving the flyers, although the AfD has denied specifically targeting foreigners.
Investigation Launched into Incitement to Hatred
A Karlsruhe police spokesman told AFP that an investigation has been launched into the possible charge of incitement to hatred following a tip-off from a member of the public. The AfD in Karlsruhe has stated that the flyers are being distributed in the city "in as large a number as possible and without any special requirements or restrictions," with the aim of bringing their demands to the attention of voters.
AfD’s Rhetoric Heats Up Ahead of Election
The AfD’s controversial campaign comes as the party has been buoyed by the endorsement of US tech billionaire Elon Musk and the impending return of Donald Trump to the White House. The party has also been sharpening its rhetoric in the lead-up to Germany’s election on February 23, with its top candidate, Alice Weidel, explicitly calling for the "remigration" of foreigners at a party congress last weekend.
Critics Slam ‘Fascist Methods’
Marcel Bauer, a parliamentary candidate for the far-left Die Linke, has accused the AfD of using "fascist methods to incite hatred." "This threat against our fellow citizens must have consequences," he said.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding the AfD’s campaign flyers highlights the growing concerns about the party’s divisive rhetoric and tactics. As the election season heats up, it remains to be seen whether the party’s controversial campaign will have any lasting impact on the political landscape in Germany.
FAQs
- What is the purpose of the AfD’s "Deportation Ticket" flyers?
- The flyers are intended to bring the AfD’s demands to the attention of voters, including cutting benefits for non-Germans and an end to "Islamisation."
- Why has the AfD denied specifically targeting foreigners with the flyers?
- The AfD has denied that the flyers were targeted at specific individuals or groups, but critics argue that the language and imagery used are harmful and divisive.
- What is the reaction to the controversy?
- The controversy has sparked widespread criticism, with some comparing the campaign to the one-way tickets to Jerusalem distributed by the Nazis in the 1930s. Others have accused the AfD of using "fascist methods to incite hatred."