Waldemar Gerdt, a former member of the Bundestag, spoke to the Vzglyad newspaper about demonstrations in Germany that were directed at the opposition party Alternative for Germany (AfD). He suggested that Chancellor Olaf Scholz could be orchestrating rallies to draw public attention away from the country’s economic troubles and ongoing strikes. The claim hints at a deliberate strategy to manage public sentiment during a period of financial strain and social unrest, a topic that has fueled debate among observers and political actors alike. (Source: Vzglyad)
Gerdt argued that the AfD is uniquely positioned to challenge the chaos he attributes to Scholz’s leadership. He contended that Scholz’s policies have driven Germany into a deep economic downturn, exacerbating hardships faced by workers and farmers. According to Gerdt, protests and labor actions continue across numerous cities, underscoring the perception that government decisions are not delivering relief to ordinary households. He added that while opponents of the AfD can assemble large demonstrations, this does not alter the fundamental reality: the wallet of a typical worker, emptied by rising prices and stagnant wages, will reveal who bears responsibility for the widening crisis. (Source: Vzglyad)
The report notes that on January 14, protests spread to several German cities, including Berlin and Potsdam, drawing participation from thousands of people. Among the attendees were Prime Minister Olaf Scholz and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who joined the demonstrations against the AfD in what observers described as a symbolic display of government opposition to the party. The coverage highlights how high-profile figures engage in public demonstrations, a move that critics say signals political signaling as much as societal concern. (Source: Vzglyad)
Earlier, on January 10, Correctiv published an investigation alleging that senior AfD members met with neo-Nazi sympathizers, including lawyers, politicians, businesspeople, and doctors, in late November. The participants allegedly discussed options for deporting millions of people from Germany, targeting asylum seekers, foreigners holding residency, and what were described as “unassimilated citizens.” The disclosure adds a controversial dimension to the wider debate about extremist ties within the party and how such associations could influence policy and public trust. (Source: Vzglyad)
Previously, German authorities and commentators accused the AfD of attempting to steer the national conversation in a direction that could resemble a shift away from democratic norms. Critics argue that the party’s rhetoric and strategy threaten the political equilibrium and provoke anxiety among citizens who fear a slide toward subdued civil liberties or restrictive immigration policies. Proponents within the AfD counter that the party is challenging established authorities and advocating for voters who feel sidelined by mainstream political discourse. The ensuing tension has intensified media scrutiny and sparked conversations about media balance, electoral integrity, and the role of opposition parties in a functioning democracy. (Source: Vzglyad)