Friedrich Merz, the Chancellor of Germany, on Wednesday in Berlin addressed the threat of political extremism to the existing social order and criticized far-right parties such as "Alternative for Germany" (AfD) and far-left parties like BSW. He accused these parties of wanting to "erase the DNA of our democracy." In this speech, Merz stated: "Extremism has deeply infiltrated our state parliaments."
Historic Election of an Extremist Politician
Merz referred to the election this week of an AfD politician as the President of the Saxony-Anhalt State Parliament, calling this event a "historic defeat." This is the first time since World War II that an extremist politician has been elected to head a state parliament. He also criticized some politicians, possibly from his own party CDU, who voted in favor of Tobias Reich. Reich received 48 votes, while AfD and BSW only had 44 votes. The voting was conducted secretly, and Merz stated that "false flag" attacks may also exist in politics, meaning that the Social Democrats, Left, and Greens may be trying to create divisions within the CDU.
Consequences of Reich's Election
Merz emphasized: "Anyone who votes in favor of AfD is playing with extremists and questioning their own credibility." He added that this behavior is inconsistent with the values of the CDU party. At the same time, the arrest of August Hanning, the former head of the German Foreign Intelligence Service (BND), and his former office head, critic D., has raised serious concerns about Germany's intelligence relations. Analysts believe that this scandal may have profound implications for Germany's national security.
Meanwhile, police in Oberleing, Bavaria, on Wednesday warned residents of Nottzinger Moos near Munich Airport to be vigilant and to avoid keeping children and pets outdoors due to reports of a wild puma sighting in the area.
Frankfurt Book Fair Held
In other news, the Frankfurt Book Fair opened with the Czech Republic as the guest of honor. The program of the fair includes literary presentations and political discussions. Additionally, the 50th anniversary of Latin America's presence as the first guest of honor at this fair will be celebrated on a special stage. Ines Bachor, the public relations manager of the fair, announced that the upcoming guest country, Chile, will add 14 writers and illustrators to the program.
The fair will be hosted by prominent literary figures, including Philippe Sands, the French-British author and lawyer, who will receive the German Book Sellers' Peace Prize on Sunday. There will also be discussions on the possibility of prosecuting war crimes and ecosystem destruction on Saturday.
