The spectacular electoral achievement of the right-wing extremist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt represents a unique phenomenon for post-World War II Germany. For the first time in the post-war period, a far-right, neo-Nazi party has come so close to governing a state and affecting national policies. It represents a substantial threat to both Germany and the European Union that should raise concern among European societies. France’s next presidential election and the eventuality of a far-right victory, which would shape the country’s democratic foundation and affect the entire EU, represent an existential issue.
The French Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, in a post on X urges: “Far right: Let us open our eyes wide.”
Barrot highlights that “The crushing electoral victory of the neo-Nazi, anti-European, pro-Putin far right in the German region of Saxony-Anhalt illustrates the height and force of the wave that has been sweeping across Europe for two decades.”
“The AfD’s programme is a betrayal of the European spirit: historical revisionism, placing foreigners in camps, glorification of xenophobia even in school curricula, bringing the media into line,” he wrote.
The French minister emphasises that the normalisation of far-right ideas, which all we see occurring in our societies, risks leading Europe to ruin and dishonour and calls European societies to resist.
“Every time the democratic and republican forces have compromised, they have been devoured by the vile beast. No compromise possible. But we must imperatively open our eyes wide to the despair that carries such ideas and such parties to power: Downgrading, injustice, dispossession,” Barrot explained.
The minister notes that the political establishment in Europe has a responsibility to respond to “this cry of anger.”
“Without a response to this cry of anger hurled by the peoples of Europe at political leaders, the worst is inevitable,” he stressed.
The results in Saxony-Anhalt elections should mobilise European politicians towards viable solutions aiming to restore confidence on European values and the democratic political system that characterise the EU member countries.
In France, the rise of the far-right National Rally and the risk of Marine Le Pen’s victory in the upcoming presidential election next Spring, signals an alarm for France and Europe.
“As a great democratic debate opens in France, it is to this anger that all those who refuse the poison of extremism must provide an urgent response. It is possible, but it is our last chance,” underscores Minister Barrot.
