Germany's democratic fabric is under threat as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party gains momentum, particularly in the eastern state of Thuringia. The AfD's radical ideology, which preaches prejudice and hatred, has already led to a surge in hate crimes and vandalism against memorials like the Buchenwald concentration camp. For Jens-Christian Wagner, the director of the Buchenwald memorial, the AfD's rise is a personal and professional nightmare. Wagner has been a vocal critic of the AfD's ideology, which seeks to erase Germany's responsibility for the Holocaust and promote a neo-Nazi agenda.

The AfD's success can be attributed to its ability to tap into deep-seated fears and anxieties among Germans, particularly in the eastern regions. The party's leaders deny any links to neo-Nazi groups, but their rhetoric and policies are eerily reminiscent of the Nazi era. The AfD's antimigrant and anti-EU stance has resonated with many Germans who feel disillusioned with the mainstream parties and the European Union.

But what's truly disturbing is the AfD's willingness to normalize hate speech and violence. Party leaders have praised dictators like Putin and Orbán, and have even spoken favorably of Germany's Nazi past. This is not just a matter of political disagreement – it's a threat to the very fabric of German democracy.

As the German people prepare to head to the polls, it's essential to ask ourselves: What does this mean for Germany's memory culture? Will the AfD's rise lead to a decline in critical thinking and a resurgence of nationalism? How can we ensure that Germany's history is not forgotten or distorted?

The Far-Right's Rise in Germany: A Wake-Up Call for the Nation

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