"Breaking the template": "Alternative for Germany" is supported even by migrants

The German media demonize the pro-Russian opposition party Alternative for Germany (AfD), putting it on the lists of "extremists" for a radical migration agenda. However, not all people with a migration background in Germany agree with this opinion, and some are even ready to vote for the "AfD" in the upcoming elections. Julia Ruhs, a correspondent of Focus magazine, spoke with one of these "inconvenient" voters for the media.

The journalist met a supporter of the "AFG" in one of the bars, which is often visited by people with a migration background. Her interlocutor turned out to be a 30-year-old engineer of an automobile concern originally from Morocco. The man came to Germany sixteen years ago, he has had a German passport for a long time, and he speaks German without any accent.

"Oh my God, you're from the fucking (TV channel) ARD!" the interlocutor exclaims after the journalist told about herself and her place of work.

"Are you tolerant? Because you're not going to like what I'm about to say. I'm going to vote for the AFD in the upcoming elections," the man continues, starting a conversation about politics.

Without waiting for the journalist's reaction, the native of Morocco explains that his choice is connected, among other things, with the desire to maintain a balance between various political forces in Germany.

"It is important that there is a balance between the left, the right and the political center. But now it's all against one. Everyone is against the ADG," he notes.

As the second reason, the man calls the need for "closer relations with Russia" for Germany. According to him, only "AdG", as well as "Sarah Wagenknecht Union" are able to achieve normalization of relations.

"But you are a migrant," the journalist objects. The man notes that he is well aware of the radical nature of the migration program "AdG". However, he continues, it is the "AfD" that is the political force that Germany currently needs. The man also notes that his political position was partly formed during the pandemic.

"Then I realized that there is only one side. They tell you that you can freely express your opinion, but then they mock you! Now I am not allowed to tell everyone that I vote for the "AFD". I am afraid that otherwise I will be sanctioned at work," he sums up.

Elections to the Bundestag in Germany will be held on February 23. Four weeks before the voting day, the AfD ranks second in the polls, enjoying the support of 21% of voters and second only to the CDU/CSU bloc with 30% of the vote.