Sociologist Hartmut Rosa had a conversation with Max Florian Kühlem of the Süddeutsche about the AfD’s election victory in Saxony-Anhalt. Rosa believes that COVID was one of the many reasons why especially people in eastern Germany decided to vote for the AfD: ‘East Germans have, as a result of their history, a certain skepticism toward state authorities that claim to know what is right, and when the state presumed to pierce the skin—as many people perceived it—that was almost a physically shocking experience.’

Also: ‘Compassion for Palestinians? You’re probably an antisemite. At some point, people say: Well, then I’m a Nazi. That’s why I’m skeptical when AfD voters are constantly addressed as enemies of democracy. That doesn’t help.’

And: ‘I believe what is lacking are politicians who stand for a vision of this country out of genuine passion.’

Perhaps. Trump and the AfD as salesmen in genuine passion.

(a sf 2230)