- Biermann: In the former GDR, what belongs grows together
Poet and singer Wolf Biermann sees many similarities between the AfD and the alliance of Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW). "Wagenknecht and Höcke are the political couple of the hour. Here in the former GDR, what belongs together is growing together: the heirs of Hitler's National Socialism and Stalin's National Communism," he told the weekly newspaper "Die Zeit" in view of the upcoming state elections in Brandenburg, Saxony, and Thuringia in September.
"The blue AfD and the false Reds of Wagenknecht are both on Putin's side in this bloody Ukraine war. Real Browns and fake Reds despise the rainbow colors of democracy," said Biermann, who was expelled from the GDR in 1976.
On the behavior of their supporters, the former GDR dissident said: "Those who were too cowardly to rebel during the dictatorship are now rebelling against democracy without risk. They long for the comforts of dictatorship and are unfamiliar with the struggles of democracy." Their shame eats away at their self-esteem. "They claim to have a new life and vote for the AfD or the new party of Sahra Wagenknecht."
Biermann admitted that the overall picture was more nuanced: "There's no such thing as a simple East German, even I know that. And I hope that before the state elections, many will vote for a colorful democracy. They'll vote for the CDU, SPD, Greens, and FDP in a good citizen manner, without any angry citizen romanticism. And that warms my old heart."
- Despite his critique, Wolf Biermann recognizes the complexities of East German politics and hopes that many will vote for diverse parties like the European Parliament's member parties CDU, SPD, Greens, and FDP in the upcoming elections.
- In his critique of the former GDR supporters, Biermann mentions their disregard for democracy and their potential support for parties outside the European Parliament, such as the AfD and BSW.
