Discrimination leads to frustration
Schirdewan: Republic an “East German-free elite area”
7/25/2023 9:03 p.m
The left is also looking for causes for the AfD high in Germany, especially in parts of eastern Germany. In this context, its chairman, Schirdewan, criticizes the fact that the Federal Republic ignores Eastern identities. This drives people into the arms of authoritarian parties.
The left chairman Martin Schirdewan sees too little attention for East German identities and experiences in the Federal Republic. “The Federal Republic is an East German-free elite area. East German biographies hardly occur,” Schirdewan told the “Welt”. This can also be seen in politics, for example in the composition of the federal government. “Reunification was a liberation for many East Germans, because the GDR was also an authoritarian state,” says Schirdewan.
Nevertheless, there was massive frustration and loss experiences. These would have “too little space in the all-German historical narrative of this turning point”. Average annual wages in eastern Germany are lower than in the west, and pensions are lower. “That increases the experience of discrimination. And the desire for security and prospects makes people more receptive to authoritarian political offers,” said Schirdewan.
The AfD divides society. Left politics must show that people have common interests. “A part-time saleswoman in East Germany would like good health care. This wish can easily be combined with the interest of a doctor from Syria who has completed his studies and is now looking for a place to settle down.” One should not “leave the streets and the minds to the AfD”.
With a view to surveys of the potential voters of a party that could possibly be founded by left-wing politician Sahra Wagenknecht, Schirdewan said: “I don’t give a second thought to thinking about a party that has no structure, no program and no staff.” Anyone pursuing such a project should not do it from the left. “This is completely unacceptable and is damaging to the party. This is the red line,” said the party leader.