Fri Feb 21 16:44:20 UTC 2025: ## Rising Far-Right Sentiment Fuels Fear Among Germany’s Migrants and Refugees Ahead of Elections
**Berlin, Germany** – Germany is bracing for crucial elections on February 23rd amid a surge in far-right sentiment and escalating tensions surrounding migration policies. The Alternative for Germany (AfD), known for its anti-migration stance, is experiencing unprecedented popularity, particularly in eastern cities like Cottbus, raising concerns among immigrant communities.
Rights groups like PRO ASYL report a growing atmosphere of fear among refugees and migrants, citing increased anxieties within Syrian and Afghan communities due to the AfD’s rise and calls for increased deportations. This fear is further exacerbated by the recent actions of the AfD, including the mailing of thousands of fake deportation notices to migrants in Karlsruhe. This tactic, reminiscent of historical oppression, has been condemned by political opponents and sparked outrage.
While the CDU currently leads in polls, followed by the AfD and the SPD, the issue of migration remains central to the campaign. The CDU’s leader, Friedrich Merz, has blamed the government’s relatively open-door policy for recent attacks, pushing for stricter border controls and asylum policies. This has led to a breakdown of the long-standing “firewall” against cooperation with the far-right, as evidenced by Merz’s non-binding resolution on asylum seeker returns passing with AfD support.
The government, while tightening some asylum regulations and implementing border checks, has also eased residency and citizenship processes, a move criticized by opponents. This has created a complex situation where even those advocating for migrants’ rights acknowledge a climate of insecurity and self-censorship among immigrant populations due to stigmatization and labeling as a collective threat.
The conflict in Gaza has further complicated the political landscape, with Germany’s strong support for Israel intersecting with anti-immigrant sentiment. Critics argue that this support, combined with increased scrutiny of pro-Palestinian protests, fuels Islamophobia and reinforces negative stereotypes. Rights groups report a sharp increase in Islamophobic incidents since the start of the Gaza war.
Experts warn that mainstream parties’ adoption of far-right policies, intended to win back voters, may backfire, normalizing anti-rights rhetoric and inadvertently bolstering support for extremist groups. The lack of emphasis on migrants’ positive contributions to the German economy also allows the AfD’s narrative to gain traction. The upcoming election will be a crucial test of whether Germany can effectively address these complex issues and mitigate the growing anxieties among its immigrant population.
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