Germany’s hiking community has recently been marred by an incident of racial profiling and anti-migrant sentiment, shedding light on the growing concerns about the treatment of minorities in areas where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is gaining traction. The incident occurred in Saxon Switzerland, a picturesque region known for its mountainous terrain and popular with tourists.
During a hiking trip, journalist Riham Alkousaa and her group, mostly Syrian migrants living in Germany, were reported to the police by an anonymous caller who suspected they were attempting to cross the border from nearby Czechia illegally. However, the group was part of a registered German hiking club and were in Germany legally. The police verified their documents and concluded that there was no wrongdoing.
This incident has sparked a storm of reactions on social media, with many expressing support for Alkousaa and condemning racial profiling. However, some comments on her post have exposed the presence of racist sentiments within the German society. It highlights the deep divisions and growing tensions regarding immigration in the country.
Saxon Switzerland is not only a place of natural beauty but also a stronghold for the far-right AfD party. In several polls, the AfD emerges as the most popular party in the region, garnering up to a third of the votes. This surge in support for the far-right raises concerns about the welcoming of minorities in areas dominated by anti-migrant sentiments. It also poses a threat to the formation of stable governing coalitions if the AfD continues to gain votes.
Germany has been grappling with the issue of migration in recent years, especially in the wake of the 2015-2016 refugee crisis when the country accepted 1.5 million migrants and refugees. Although the number of asylum seekers has decreased compared to those peak years, rising tensions and political debates surrounding the issue persist. The AfD, which has transitioned from anti-Euro populism to nativist far-right radicalism, capitalizes on these debates to appeal to a significant portion of the electorate.
The migration debate has also influenced the political landscape. Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s left-leaning coalition has faced pressure from conservative politicians, including new party leader Friedrich Merz, to adopt stricter border control measures. As a result, spot checks have been implemented on the eastern borders with Poland and Czechia to target people smugglers. However, critics argue that these measures are more about political posturing ahead of upcoming elections than genuine efforts to address the issue.
The rise of the far-right and its anti-migrant stance has implications beyond politics. Local business leaders are concerned about the impact it may have on eastern Germany’s economic prospects. The fear is that potential workers from abroad might be hesitant to work in regions where far-right sentiment is prevalent, exacerbating existing labor shortages.
Furthermore, incidents like the one experienced by Alkousaa may also deter international tourists from visiting Germany. The negative portrayal of racial profiling and the perception of hostility towards migrants could discourage visitors from considering the country as a tourist destination.
As Germany approaches upcoming regional elections, including in Saxony, the political landscape and public sentiment towards migrants remain significant factors to monitor. The treatment of minorities and the influence of the far-right in politics and society will continue to shape Germany’s future.
