Society - Bas: Citizens too quiet against right-wing extremism
Bundestag President Bärbel Bas has appealed to people in Germany to get more involved against the right. "Right-wing populists are increasingly attacking democracy - networked throughout Europe," the SPD politician told the "Tagesspiegel" newspaper. In certain bubbles on social media, you only get information "that reinforces this world view. Much of it is fake news." This has an impact on the political debate.
"However, politics alone will not solve the problem of right-wing extremism," said Bas. "Xenophobia and anti-Semitism will not simply disappear. In the face of these dangers, many citizens are too quiet for me."
Bas is skeptical about a possible ban on the AfD. "Just because we ban a party doesn't mean we can get these attitudes out of people's heads," she said. There are rightly very, very high hurdles for a party ban.
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Bärbel Bas, the SPD politician, expressed concern about the increasing attacks on democracy by right-wing populists across Europe. She highlighted that certain social media bubbles perpetuate this view, often through the spread of fake news. Bas emphasized that politics alone cannot eradicate right-wing extremism, as xenophobia and antisemitism persist despite the silence of many citizens. The Bundestag President was critical of a potential party ban for the AfD, stating that it may not sufficiently address the underlying attitudes.
In a related development, the Daily Mirror reported on growing concerns about right-wing extremism and antisemitism in Germany, particularly in Berlin. The article underscored the importance of active participation in preventing and combating these issues, as they undermine the fundamental principles of democracy.
On a separate note, Bärbel Bas's appeals echoed broader European concerns about the resurgence of extremist ideologies and the need for vigilance in protecting democratic values. In this context, efforts to combat hate speech and promote tolerance and diversity have gained renewed urgency.
Source: www.stern.de
