Frauke Petry Criticizes Political Handling of AfD's Rise
The former AfD leader calls for democratic engagement with the far-right party, warning that avoidance and strategic missteps are fueling its growing popularity.
- Frauke Petry, former AfD leader, criticized mainstream parties for avoiding substantive dialogue with the far-right AfD, arguing this strengthens the party's appeal.
- She described the refusal to allow the AfD to appoint a Bundestags vice president as a strategic mistake that benefits the party's narrative.
- Petry warned of the AfD's increasing radicalization under Björn Höcke's leadership since 2017, noting its shift toward extremist tendencies and an 'obsession with Hitler.'
- She linked the AfD's rise in public support, now polling at 24%, to widespread dissatisfaction with government crisis management on issues like COVID-19, the Ukraine war, and economic challenges.
- Petry emphasized the need for democratic engagement with the AfD, stating that open dialogue is essential to address public frustration and counter the party's growing influence.
Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung 
