The President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany Josef Schuster has expressed concern over the increasing polarisation within German society following the initial election results from the Brandenburg state election. He stated that the outcomes demonstrate just how divided the nation has become.
The Social Democratic Party (SPD) has retained its position as the strongest political force in Brandenburg. Meanwhile, the Alternative for Germany (AfD), which had been leading in polls leading up to the election, has come in second. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the newly formed alliance led by Sahra Wagenknecht (Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht, BSW) are competing closely for third place.
Schuster noted, “If nearly a third of voters are willing to support a destructive political party like the AfD, and a populist movement such as the BSW is gaining double-digit support, this should not leave us indifferent. The strength of the political fringes is not beneficial for Germany.”
He further emphasised the need for greater political engagement and dialogue among all societal groups to address the underlying issues that lead to such divisive politics. Schuster urged the mainstream political parties to focus on fostering unity and understanding rather than allowing extremist views to gain traction.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Schuster’s remarks serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance against the rise of polarising ideologies and the necessity for a cohesive approach to governance that prioritises democratic values and social cohesion.
