A 99-year-old Holocaust survivor has announced plans to return his federal order of merit award to the German state as a form of protest against the growing influence of far-right politics within the country. Albrecht Weinberg's decision follows the backing of the far-right Alternative for Germany party (AfD) for immigration legislation proposed by Germany’s mainstream conservative party, the CDU, marking a significant departure from the post-war political norms.
Weinberg, who endured the horrors of Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen during World War II, expressed deep concerns about the present-day political climate, stating, "I want to give it back after the parties joined forces with the right-wing radicals." His actions resonate with fears among many about the potential resurgence of extremist ideologies reminiscent of the 1930s, which could threaten democratic values.
The CDU, led by Friedrich Merz, recently passed a non-binding resolution aiming for stricter immigration controls, necessitating support from the AfD to secure the parliamentary numbers needed for its passage. This incident has drawn significant criticism, especially from past leaders such as former chancellor Angela Merkel. She characterized the CDU's collaboration with the AfD as abandoning long-standing commitments to democratic principles, emphasizing, "I see it as wrong to allow the AfD to be involved and gain legitimacy from the parliament."
The fallout from this vote extends beyond individual protests. It signals the first time mainstream German political parties have publicly brokered alliances with the AfD, which many had previously regarded as beyond the pale. Bernd Baumann, an AfD lawmaker, claimed, "Now begins a new era," highlighting the party's efforts to solidify its place within German politics.
Weinberg's anguish echoes broader sentiments shared by other Holocaust survivors. Eva Umlauf, another survivor, wrote poignantly, "We all know how German politicians once thought they could cooperate with Hitler and the Nazi party... our democracy became a dictatorship. Peace became war." This perspective harkens back to troubling times when political compromises led to catastrophic consequences.
The CDU’s push for this resolution was reportedly spurred by recent violent incidents linked to immigrants, fueling anxieties about crime and security. This has led many voters, particularly those concerned about rising immigration, to call for stronger controls, even as over 1.2 million Ukrainian refugees and tens of thousands from other backgrounds have sought asylum since the invasion of Ukraine began.
On the day of the vote, thousands of people rallied across Germany to protest the CDU's move. The public outcry reflects growing alarm at the normalization of extreme nationalist views within mainstream politics. Many protesters argue this could lead to repeating the historical failures of German governance.
Germany’s political scene remains fractured as parties wrangle over immigration policy amid upcoming elections. The CDU stands at the center of this debate, with Merz's faction, currently polling favorably, advocating policies aimed at what they describe as necessary responses to public safety concerns.
Former chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the wave of crime incidents connected to immigrated populations, promising to deport individuals deemed dangerous or involved in criminal activities. Yet, this hardline stance has drawn sharp criticism from other factions within the government, who argue it undermines the rights of refugees and immigrants.
Weinberg, reflecting on the honor he received for raising Holocaust awareness among younger generations, is now returning it as a stand against what he perceives as the potential loss of hard-won freedoms. He fears, like many, the age-old lesson of history might slip through contemporary consciousness, saying, "The experience I had as a young person was very dangerous and horrible for me. I fear it may begin to happen again." He stands resolute, expressing distrust over the political alliances forming against the backdrop of rising nationalistic sentiments.
For now, Weinberg and other disillusioned citizens find themselves at the forefront of both remembrance and advocacy, engaged not just in recalling the past but also fighting for the present and future of their nation. The political future remains uncertain as Germany grapples with these bitter divisions, but with voices like Weinberg's echoing through its halls, the memory of history continues to serve as both caution and calling.