German Actors Protest Far-Right Vote in Parliament

by

A notable group of German actors such as Daniel Brühl, Jella Haase, Birgit Minichmayr, Jürgen Vogel, and Sonja Heiss have collectively penned an open letter in opposition to yesterday’s decision by the German parliament that approved a policy with support from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, expressing their discontent over its anti-immigration stance.

A conservative party proposal, specifically from CDU, advocating for stricter border control policies such as perpetual checks at Germany’s EU borders, effective denial of entry for those without proper documents, and immediate detention for individuals facing expulsion, was narrowly approved by the Bundestag (Germany’s parliament) on Wednesday. However, this approval came with the backing of the AfD. The measures are yet to undergo a formal vote before they can become law.

In simple terms, political parties other than the AfD in the German parliament (Bundestag), which are often seen as supporting extreme and anti-democratic views, have agreed not to collaborate with the AfD. This agreement is commonly known as a “barrier” or “firewall,” designed to separate the AFD from Germany’s democratic parties.

Support for the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) is increasing; it currently stands as the second most popular party in surveys, trailing only the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), with predictions of a strong showing in upcoming national elections next month. The party has garnered some international backing from Elon Musk, who has openly endorsed the far-right organization and made an appearance via video link at an AfD campaign event on Sunday.

In their open letter, protesters urged both public figures and political leaders to defend democratic principles and preserve the nation’s cultural and social richness. Specifically, this appeal was directed towards CDU leader Friedrich Merz, members of the conservative alliance parties, the FDP with liberal leanings, who supported these measures, as well as representatives from the far-left BSW, who did not participate in the vote on Wednesday.

You can read the open letter (translated into English) below:

An Open Address to Friedrich Merz, Union Members, FDP, and BSW: On the Collapse of the Barrier – Opposing Any Alliance with the AfD

This title aims to convey the same message as the original but in a more natural and easy-to-read manner. The use of “Open Letter” has been replaced with “An Open Address,” which maintains the formal tone while sounding less rigid. Similarly, “Fall of the Firewall” is replaced with “Collapse of the Barrier,” to make it easier for English readers to understand the metaphorical term. Lastly, “Against Any Cooperation with the AfD” is kept as is because it clearly and concisely conveys the intended message.

Over the recent weekend, over two hundred thousand individuals rallied on the streets, advocating for the immediate action of “Never Again, Now!” and protesting against the AfD, as well as any form of alliance with it. Consequently, we are profoundly dismayed by a pivotal event in German history:

[This past weekend, hundreds of thousands gathered on the streets to support “Never Again is Now!” and voice their opposition to any collaboration with the AfD.]

[Recently, over two hundred thousand people took part in demonstrations, calling for immediate action against the AfD and expressing their disapproval of any alliance with it. We are therefore extremely troubled by a significant turning point in German history:]

For the Union, along with the FDP and BSW, are dangerously eroding the fragile barrier by attempting to gain support from the AfD for their proposals regarding security and immigration policies. By doing so, they implicitly agree to a practical alliance with this predominantly far-right party.

The Union, in conjunction with the FDP and BSW, are undermining an already weak wall by seeking the AfD’s approval for their policies on security and migration, which amounts to a tacit partnership with this mainly right-wing group.

Lastly:
Instead of reinforcing the crumbling firewall, the Union, along with the FDP and BSW, are undermining its stability by seeking the AfD’s endorsement for their security and migration policies, thereby implying an informal alliance with this far-right party.

As a follower, I can’t help but express my concern about this agreement with the AfD. The principle of providing asylum, rooted in our constitution and a crucial lesson from the atrocities of National Socialism, is being compromised. This move seems to challenge the historical taboo and threatens the “Never Again” consensus, which we’ve upheld since those dark times. It’s especially troubling that this action occurs during Holocaust Remembrance Week.

In this correspondence from the Union, FDP, and BSW, you’ve frequently emphasized two phrases: “Now, Never Again!” and “The firewall remains.”

In this letter from the Union, FDP, and BSW, you’ve repeatedly expressed these sentiments: “Now is the time for action – Never Again!” and “We uphold our stance – The firewall stays strong.

However, it’s not that you’re backing it; instead, you’re significantly weakening it, and it’s crucial for us to acknowledge this: We, the civilian populace of this nation, must now serve as a protective barrier and remind you of your pledges. You are risking the erosion of basic rights by aligning with right-wing extremists, which could give the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) more influence and power—potentially even at the legislative level, if collaboration occurs during the upcoming vote on Friday.

This version aims to make the original text easier to read and understand while maintaining its core message.

As a passionate advocate in the realms of art, culture, media, and public life, I ardently urge my fellow members of the Union, FDP, and BSW to swiftly disassociate from any unconstitutional schemes and refrain from collaborating with the AfD. When the proposal is put forward, I implore you to cast a vote against it or choose abstention as an alternative.

We similarly denounce the divisive and inflammatory rhetoric that’s being amplified by today’s racist, anti-Semitic, intolerant, and climate-denying discourse, which pushes society towards extreme right-wing views. The past is echoing in our present, and this time we vow not to remain indifferent.

OR

We also denounce the divisive and inflammatory speech that’s being intensified by today’s racist, anti-Semitic, intolerant, and climate-denying discourse, which is pushing society towards extreme right-wing views. The past seems to be repeating itself, and this time we pledge not to turn a blind eye.

Over the weekend, during the country-wide protests, people chanted “We are the firewall”. Now, let’s make that phrase a reality! We invite everyone across the nation to set up candles, symbolizing the lights from the demonstrations, in front of the CDU/CSU party headquarters as a reminder and vigil. Furthermore, we urge civil society to take action by sending emails to members of parliament (the NGO LeaveNoOneBehind has provided a tool for this purpose) and by joining protests (nationwide listings can be found at DEMOKRATEAM.org) to remind them about the importance of preserving our firewall.

Read More

2025-01-30 18:26