Local Ecclesiastical Leader - Kühnbaum-Schmidt worries about values promoted by populists.
The leader of the Northern Church, Kristina Kühnbaum-Schmidt, is urging all democratic groups to take swift action to fight back against the surge of populist movements following the European elections. She's worried that these parties, which campaign with easy solutions, are driving society further apart and jeopardizing European advancements. Kühnbaum-Schmidt believes that the high support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) among young people should serve as a warning to other democratic parties. The AfD, labeled as securely right-wing extremist by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, was the leading force in eastern Germany, according to analysts.
To combat the growing tide of populism, Kühnbaum-Schmidt thinks parties and civil society need to step up their efforts in educating and enlightening the public, while addressing the pressing issues facing society. She's encouraging all democratic groups to "create politics that crosses differences, oriented towards the everyday concerns of citizens, develop future-oriented solutions, and communicate them effectively." This includes making the necessary decisions.
The recent increase in voter turnout and demonstrations for democracy serve as proof that more people are eager to play an active role in their government. "Numerous voters see that today's challenges can only be met through cooperation across national borders," the Bishop emphasized. Also, she reminded everyone that the religious teachings of the Church don't allow room for far-right ideologies, anti-Semitism, or exclusion.
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Kühnbaum-Schmidt expressed her concerns about the impact of populist movements in regions like Hamburg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, following the European elections. She urged democratic parties to act swiftly, as the surge of these parties could undermine values and achievements in areas like Schleswig-Holstein and Schwerin. The elections saw the AfD, a far-right party, gaining significant support, particularly among young people in North Germany.
Despite the growing concerns, Kühnbaum-Schmidt remains hopeful about the power of democratic values. She sees the high voter turnout and demonstrations as a sign that people are eager to participate in shaping their future, especially in Sunday's EU elections. The Church, she emphasized, stands against far-right ideologies, anti-Semitism, and exclusion, and encourages all democratic groups to work together towards solving societal issues.
