AfD vortex: Günther Schöttle leaves the party - new chapter begins!

AfD vortex: Günther Schöttle leaves the party - new chapter begins!

A real upheaval in the AfD province: Günther Schöttle, long-time chairman of the Calw/Freudenstadt district association, has declared his resignation from the right-wing populist party with immediate effect. The move comes as no surprise as Schöttle had previously announced his resignation as chairman. He plans to form a new parliamentary group with like-minded people in the district council and is not squeamish in his criticism of the AfD: He describes the party as a “professors' party,” which makes it clear that he is anything but happy with the current developments. So reported PZ News.

But what exactly is going on in the AfD? While Schöttle's workshop took place in Nagold with around 50 participants, who dealt with few specific topics and instead focused on citizens' concerns, demonstrations against right-wing extremism took place at the same time. In many cities, including Nagold, hundreds gathered to take a stand against the AfD. Courts had recently ruled that Björn Höcke could be called names such as “Nazi” and “fascist,” which drove counter-demonstrators onto the streets. Loud SWR Current The AfDlers plan to prepare for the local elections on June 9th and are diligently looking for new candidates.

A look at the background

The Calw district is considered a stronghold for the AfD, which received 13.5% of the vote in the last state election. However, the circumstances that lead to such a phenomenon are complex. How Böckler analyzed, right-wing populist parties and right-wing groups are increasingly gaining influence in Germany and are strengthening anti-democratic and racist resentments. Crisis situations, such as the corona pandemic or the war in Ukraine, are often used as a means of pressure to stir up fears and prejudices.

The country's social and economic inequalities have also contributed to many people turning away from traditional political institutions. Surveys show that 14% of respondents have high levels of anti-democratic attitudes. Many AfD voters come from low-income social classes and perceive a threat to their status. All of these factors contribute to some citizens turning to the AfD. Schöttle and his colleagues oppose this and speak of a crisis of representation.

The future of the AfD and its supporters therefore remains uncertain, and Schöttle's departure could be another sign that cohesion within the party is crumbling. While the AfD is holding workshops and planning new factions, resistance in the streets remains strong. There will be another demonstration in Nagold on Sunday under the motto "Nagold stands up! For democracy and tolerance". The pressure on the party is growing and how the situation will develop is difficult to say at the moment.