SUMMARY
Germany’s far-right AfD party won a major parliamentary election victory in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt. The win marks a growing divide in German politics. The AfD (Alternative for Germany) party is anti-immigration and has been labelled as xenophobic and extremist by German intelligence. Liz Landers discussed the outcome with Liana Fix, author of “Germany Rearmed: The Return of War and the End of Illusions.”
View the transcript of the story.
NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What do you want to learn more about? You can also make a Google doc copy of these general discussion questions.
News alternative: Check our recent segments from the News Hour and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. See the Google doc above for discussion questions.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- Who are the AfD (Alternative for Germany) party, and what political wing do they represent in Germany?
- What are some of the core policy goals of the AfD?
- Where is Saxony-Anhalt in Germany?
- How does Germany's political system determine which parties control national or local governments?
- Why might the AfD not control the state of Saxony-Anhalt following the election?
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez believes that the AfD’s win is due “in large part to the surrender of the traditional right.” What do you think he means by this and why does it matter?
- The AfD seeks to grow closer ties with Russia and China. How do you think the U.S. government would react to such relationships?
Media literacy: Pretend you are a journalist working in Saxony Anhalt, the state that just elected the AfD to a near majority. What questions would you ask of voters? How would you seek to better understand the election results?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
This segment briefly describes some of the political differences, or even tensions, between east and west Germany. Why do so many political observers around the globe pay close attention to the difference in politics between east and west Germany?
Read through this article from the International Development and Research Network. After reading, discuss as a class —
- What factors do you believe play a role in the divide between east and west Germany today?
- Why do you think states in east Germany seems more likely to vote for far-right parties like the AfD?
Written by PBS News Hour Classroom's Intern Sophia Sharaa with editing from News Hour Classroom's Luke Gerwe
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