Viadrina President warns: AfD victory could endanger attractiveness!

Viadrina President warns: AfD victory could endanger attractiveness!

Frankfurt (Oder), Deutschland - The upcoming mayor election in Frankfurt (Oder) not only causes political interest, but also ensures concern in academic circles. Eduard Mühle, the President of the European University Viadrina, has expressed significant concerns about a possible victory of the AfD in the past few days. According to [ZEIT], such developments contradict the values ​​for which the Viadrina traditionally occurs: openness, European orientation and diversity. Mühle fears that a Mayor of the AfD could significantly damage the image of the city and the university.

Within this discussion, Mühle makes it clear that the university is always ready to work with every democratically elected mayor. Nevertheless, he draws "red lines" with regard to the acceptance of manners and political attitudes. Inspired language, insults and xenophobic actions have no place at the future institution. Mühle emphasizes that cooperation with official owners who represent anti -democratic attitudes or even right -wing extremist ideologies.

right -wing populism and its effects

The fears of the rise of right -wing populist movements are not new. A current analysis by the Hans Böckler Foundation describes how these groups are increasingly influencing politics in Germany. They instrumentalized crisis situations such as corona pandemic or the Ukraine conflict to fuel anti-democratic and racist resentment. This raises questions: What does that mean for society when part of the population begins to despise democratic institutions? And how do such settings affect the acceptance of our universities?

For many people, the motives behind the support of populist parties are often deeply rooted in social and economic uncertainties. So it is no coincidence that votes for the AfD can often be heard from lower social classes. In this country, for example, 20% of the workers stated that they support conspiracy myths, with AfD voters this proportion was even 61%. These figures come from an analysis of the [Böckler Institute] and show the extent of disillusionment with established politics.

What is at stake?

The European University Viadrina is therefore not only at stake as an educational institution, but also as a symbol of an open and diverse Europe. A possible victory of the AfD could not only influence the influence of the university, but also the social climate in the city of Frankfurt (Oder). Mühle makes it clear that those responsible in the city must proactively tackle such developments. The challenges are clear and must be taken seriously to counteract anti -democratic tendencies.

The trust of the citizens: inside in politics and in democratic processes urgently needs to be restored in order to prevent a further increase in right -wing populism. Social justice in the world of work can be seen as a step in the right direction. After all, it is important to show people that their worries and needs have to be reflected in the political agenda.

The future of the Viadrina location and the political climate in Frankfurt (Oder) are about a pioneering examination. The voters' votes: inside will be crucial for what is coming. While the choice is getting closer, it is important that both citizens: inside and politics become aware of this responsibility.