Saunders: What’s splitting Germany isn’t ‘anti-immigration’ politics. It’s worse

Of note:

…The AfD has campaigned angrily against their presence, and against any German role in supporting Ukraine in its fight against Vladimir Putin’s invasion. In fact, they are explicit admirers of Mr. Putin and his policies, and they have called for a renewed alliance with Moscow; Mr. Höcke proudly shows his loyalty by driving a Lada car. Those views are shared by Germany’s two far-left parties – dominated by former officials from East Germany’s Soviet-backed communist government – which together won almost 29 per cent of the Thuringia vote this past weekend.

Data suggest that Ukraine, and the larger question of loyalty to Mr. Putin or to the EU, has become a bigger issue for many AfD voters than immigration. For example, a poll this year showed that 84 per cent of AfD supporters are opposed to providing tanks and other military hardware to Ukraine.

The AfD likely won’t be part of any government. But they have succeeded in changing Germany’s political temperature. Germany is the largest European aid and arms contributor to Ukraine, but Mr. Scholz recently backed off on these commitments, shifting spending to domestic matters. He’s announced a rise in deportations. And he’s devoting himself to the Sept. 22 election in nearby Brandenburg, where pro-Putin parties, including the AfD, are expected to dominate.

Many of us would prefer a more steadfast and less accommodating response. But we should realize that, in some parts of Europe, Mr. Putin’s invasion has breached the walls of domestic politics.

Source: What’s splitting Germany isn’t ‘anti-immigration’ politics. It’s worse