The recent deadly attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg has seemingly set the tone for Germany’s upcoming election campaign. The issue of migration is being framed primarily as a security problem.
Political Capital in the Aftermath of Tragedy
Within an hour of the tragic attack, political actors sought to leverage the event for their agendas, according to Deutsche Welle.
Initial false reports claimed the perpetrator was a Syrian refugee who arrived in Germany during the 2015–2016 migrant wave. These reports were later debunked, revealing the suspect, Taleb A., was a critic of Islam and a supporter of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).
AfD leaders have used the event to amplify their calls for stricter migration policies. Their rhetoric includes extreme proposals such as “remigration,” which advocates for the deportation of legally residing migrants.
Shifting Political Landscape
The attack has fueled fears of Germany moving further to the right, with far-right narratives dominating the discourse. Political scientist Benjamin Hene warns that migration is increasingly discussed only through the lens of security threats, sidelining other critical aspects like labor shortages and the need for skilled workers.
The far-left Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) has also criticized the government, calling for stricter security measures and blaming authorities for ignoring warnings about the suspect.
International Influence
Disinformation campaigns from Russia and attacks on the German government by figures like Elon Musk have further complicated the political climate. Musk recently called for Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s resignation, labeling him “incompetent.”
