German Jewish Leader Warns of Rising AfD Influence Ahead of Bundestag Election

Josef Schuster expresses concern over the far-right party's growing support and its implications for democracy and Jewish life in Germany.

Zentralrat der Juden president Josef Schuster described the impact of last year's mass protests against right-wing extremism as disappointing, with no lasting effect on AfD poll numbers.
The protests were triggered by a report on a meeting of far-right groups in Potsdam, which led to widespread demonstrations against the AfD and its stance on forced 'remigration' policies.
Schuster criticized the AfD for its connections to extremist networks, promotion of völkisch ideology, and fostering an environment for antisemitism.
He expressed deep concern about the potential consequences of an AfD role in government, questioning the future of Jewish life in Germany under such circumstances.
Schuster also urged democratic parties to offer substantive solutions on key issues like migration and to avoid any collaboration with the AfD, citing the troubling political developments in Austria as a cautionary example.