Majority of a Third of AfD Supporters Endorse Physical Aggression Against Political Figures
A comprehensive study conducted by Pollytix, a polling institute, indicates a significant propensity for violence among supporters of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The research reveals that over a third (36%) of AfD voters deem it acceptable to use physical force against politicians. Moreover, approximately one in five AfD supporters (19%) justify such violence to accomplish specific political objectives. Furthermore, 18% believe it's defensible to carry weapons during protests to safeguard themselves in case of emergencies.
Rainer Faus, CEO of Pollytix, remarked on the results of the study, which surveyed over 7600 eligible voters over five phases since 2022. Faus stated, "Not only is the party partly far-right, but its supporters as well."
The right-wing extremist views of AfD voters are also manifest in their alignment with traditional right-wing narratives. For instance, 56% of AfD voters believe feminism disrupts societal harmony and order. Additionally, 59% claim US imperialism is the primary danger to global peace. Lastly, 41% of the surveyed AfD voters support a strong leader who isn't hampered by parliament or elections.
Surge in right-wing extremist criminal activities
Based on data from the Federal Ministry of the Interior, the number of right-wing extremist motivated crimes has increased substantially in the first half of 2024. Authorities recorded 9802 instances during the initial six months, marking a nearly 3000-case surge in comparison to the same period in 2023.
This upward trend in right-wing extremist motivated crimes during the first half of 2024 has prompted worries from prominent political figures. SPD general secretary Kevin Kühnert expressed concern about the situation, stating, "These numbers didn't pop up out of nowhere. Those who, like the AfD, target and advocate for the execution of other parties, wield a language of violence that persistently lowers the threshold for physical violence."
Saxony's Minister of Justice, Katja Meier of the Greens, also voiced concerns about the escalating violence, asserting, "The catalyst for this violence is the inhumane ideologies and the right-wing extremist rhetoric that the AfD unequivocally tolerates within its ranks." Consequently, it's no surprise that many AfD sympathizers now condone violence against individuals, argued Meier, and called for action: "We must do everything within our power to prevent the return of the violent era of the ballpoint bat years in Saxony." Any silence at this juncture signifies a lack of comprehension about the gravity of the situation.
In light of the surge in right-wing extremist motivated crimes, the acceptance of violence among AfD supporters has become a significant concern. As highlighted in the Pollytix study, over a third of AfD voters find it acceptable to use physical force against politicians, and one in five justifies such violence for political goals.
