Local Episcopal Leader - Kühnbaum-Schmidt expresses worry over values for populists.
The Northern Church's Bishop, Kristina Kühnbaum-Schmidt, emphasizes the need for robust collaboration among all democratic forces to combat rising populist sentiments in Europe. She pointed out how these parties have effectively capitalized on societal polarization with their simplistic solutions to current issues, potentially ending Europe's successes, according to a statement released on Sunday.
Among the causes for concern is the significant support received by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party among younger voters, aged 16-24. The Constitutional Protection Agency classifies the AfD as a securely right-wing extremist party in certain federal states, making it the strongest force in eastern Germany based on its current performance.
The Bishop urged for increased efforts in political education and enlightenment from both political parties and civil society. She implored the democratic parties to develop a shared policy across party lines, tackle problems head-on, propose forward-thinking solutions, and effectively communicate them to the public. Democratic organizations should make the necessary decisions, as shown by the re-engagement of a larger percentage of voters and the public demonstrations for democracy prior to the elections, according to Kühnbaum-Schmidt.
The Church holds that Christian beliefs fundamentally reject right-wing extremism, racism, anti-Semitism, and forms of exclusion.
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In the upcoming European elections, it's crucial for democratic forces in Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania to unite, as concern over the rise of populist parties, such as the AfD, in cities like Hamburg and Schwerin, is palpable. The North Church in Schwerin, led by Bishop Kühnbaum-Schmidt, has been vocal about the need for political education and collaboration among parties to counteract the appeal of extremist views. Despite this, the AfD continues to gain support, particularly among younger voters, raising concerns about the future of democratic values. In response, democratic organizations are encouraged to propose intelligent policies, communicate effectively, and engage more voters, as witnessed during the previous elections in cities like Hamburg and Sunday's demonstrations for democracy.
