Germany’s Election: Rising Far-Right Influence and Muslim Concerns

As Germany heads to the polls for its parliamentary election, concerns over the economy and the growing influence of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party dominate the political landscape.

The AfD, known for its anti-immigrant stance, has surged to 21% support, making it the second-largest party behind the Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU). This rise has alarmed many, including Germany’s Muslim population, which constitutes over five million people, the country’s second-largest religious group after Christians.

Muslims in Germany, a diverse community, are grappling with the implications of the election on their religious freedom and living conditions. Imam Ibrahim of the Brotherhood Mosque in Gelsenkirchen warns of parallels to the 1930s, stating, “In the past, it was against Jews; now it’s against Muslims.” He urges Muslims to vote, emphasizing the importance of political participation for their future in Germany.

The AfD’s rhetoric has fueled fears among Muslims, who feel increasingly targeted. Riyadh Bakr, a Syrian immigrant, notes the lack of an ideal political party but stresses the need to support those aligning with Muslim goals. Similarly, Rawa Qaradaghi, a Kurdish-Muslim voter, highlights the election’s significance for non-native Germans, stating, “It is very important to go vote so we can have some power here in Germany.”

The election campaign has also been marked by external influences, particularly from the U.S., with figures like President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk openly supporting the AfD. Musk’s recent statement calling the AfD “the only hope for Germany” has drawn widespread criticism.