Germany: Election results in political earthquake

In the end, a somewhat boring election campaign that ignored many of the issues ended in a political earthquake.

For the first time in decades, a racist, right nationalist party, AfD (Alternative for Germany), entered the German parliament.

While the AfD's entry into the Bundestag was expected, the size of its vote shocked many, despite its recent recovery in opinion polls.

It jumped in as the third largest party with nearly 6 million votes, 12.6% of the total. The surge in AfD support, up from just over 2 million votes in 2013, is a sign of the unrest and dissatisfaction that has developed amongst sections across the country despite recent economic growth.

Click here for the continuation of this article by Robert Bechert on the CWI website.

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Finance appeal

The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.

The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.

The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.

The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.