Edel McGinley: German election result proves need to recognise and prepare for new era of fascism

As the far right ascends in Germany we must fight against hate organising in our communities 

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.