Edel McGinley: German election result proves need to recognise and prepare for new era of fascism
Supporters of the far-right Alternative for Germany party, AfD, sing the national anthem as they attend an election campaign rally for the state elections in Suhl, Germany, last August. The rise and influence of far-right parties and hardline policies has gained ground. File photo: AP/Markus Schreiber
It is hard not to feel distressed after Sunday's German election results, where AfD is set to achieve the highest level of vote share for a far-right party in Germany since the 1930s. But recognising the playbook of the far right is vital to equip us all to respond — after all — if you understand history, you may not be doomed to repeat it.
A decade ago Germany looked similar to Ireland now — a smattering of far-right, would-be politicians with poor electoral success. Since then the rise and influence of far-right parties and hardline policies has gained ground, not only in Germany but across Europe and beyond.
Worryingly these shifts are having a destabilising effect on European values and norms. This all sets the scene for a new era of far-right political influence in forming governments and/or moving policies to the right, cheered on by oligarchs and social media bosses.
The unveiled ire of Vice President JD Vance's recent appearance in Munich left many speechless. He worked hard to bait European politicians, while playing to his base, all the while normalizing Trump’s ideas and policies. He was clear about the message they wanted to land — fall in line, or face the consequences.
Europe’s relatively robust regulatory system puts the brakes on their oligarch-fueled State smash and grab. In particular, Vance’s attempts to undermine the Digital Services Act (DSA) — which sets the rules for how social media companies can operate in Europe. No surprise there then.
As Elon Musk dismantles the Federal system in the US, and plans his attack on the DSA, we must take seriously the threat to democracy presented by this unfettered power. This emboldens our far right in Europe.
Both Giorgia Meloni in Italy and Viktor Orbán in Hungary, must be rubbing their hands together in anticipation. Their potential for a greater influence in Europe, both as Trump allies, and as supporters of divide and conquer tactics, are more obvious, more central and becoming more likely.
Right now we are witnessing these tactics unfold boldly in full view by white supremacists, fascist groups and elected leaders. What’s helpful is that it can no longer be ignored or concealed, which enlightens our path forward and informs us how to act.
So what is the play book? How does it help us navigate these times and respond strategically and effectively?
This is how it goes.
[Insert Group] works to create an enemy at your door — igniting emotions of fear and mistrust; they use the language of othering and hate; creating chaos and disagreement. They shout louder and amplify their message, spreading disinformation using any means.
The lie often travels so much faster than the truth and trusted messengers begin to repeat their message. This can include the media, and makes it harder to disagree. Now their point of view seems like it’s in the majority, but it isn’t. This silences ordinary people who are afraid to speak out, so now they really really seem like the majority.
Sound familiar? That’s actually good news. We know what fascism looks like. We know the tactics of the far right as they seek to either abuse or dismantle the state for their own ends. We know their MO, how to expose them and how to oppose them. In the chaos they are somewhat predictable and what can be predicated can be challenged.
At Hope and Courage Collective, we have been tracking this playbook and supporting people to respond to extremist hate-fuelled organising in their communities. In further good news, there are more of us than there are of them.
We saw this at polling stations across Ireland last November. People refused to let these extreme minorities define us and roundly rejected divisive politics and candidates.
Despite all the anti-migrant and anti-LGBTQI propaganda pumped out online — people said they mostly cared about getting some houses built, more GPs and better prospects for their kids. We must hold onto this, not only in Ireland but elsewhere too.
It is safe to say that we have entered a new era of politics, one with different dynamics. A business-as-usual approach will not serve us.
There are clear warnings that politicians need to educate themselves about who and what they are reacting to. They must be able to recognise what is in play and who is driving it. Failure to do this pits people against each other, it colludes with divide-and-conquer tactics that harms people and our communities. Let’s not play their game. Let’s play ours.
Political leadership needs vision and strategy — not one that is reactionary or that follows the loudest, meanest voice in the room. Now, more than ever, leadership means rejecting any attempts to pander to the far right and populist right by enacting hardline policies that make people’s lives worse — not better.
Not only does this strategy lack compassion and backbone — it is not what people want to see from their leaders. Again, we want houses, doctors, affordable food and community resources. Our democracy will be safe if our leaders hear us and deliver on those things. We need to heed the warning before us, to ensure Ireland's path leads to a different future than where the people of France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Slovakia and Hungary find themselves.
Ireland can have the type of politics we want as a country — if our political leaders are courageous enough. At Hope and Courage Collective, we’ve seen this type of leadership in communities and it needs to be matched by our elected politicians. It is the leadership we must see from the opposition to hold the powerful to account.
People want brave, progressive leadership — a clear focus on policies that protect the freedoms of all to thrive irrespective of where we are from, who we love, our genders or status in society.
Let’s listen to the canary, it’s singing loudly.
- Edel McGinley is executive director of the Hope and Courage Collective, a national civil society organisation that works with community groups, advocacy groups, trade unions, activists and academics to stop hate organising in communities and workplaces.
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