AfD borrows its program and campaign elements from the MAGA movement

Politicians of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) regularly travel to the USA, seeking contact with President Donald Trump's entourage, the Sueddeutsche Zeitung reported on Thursday. Contacts with the right wing in the US result in inspiration regarding the program, strategy and elements of election campaigns.

“SZ” described the arrival to Berlin of Alex Bruesewitz, who is US President Donald Trump's adviser on social media, with particular emphasis on TikTok and He spoke in a blue tie, the color of the AfD.

She considered Bruesewitz's acceptance of the invitation from AfD “SZ” as a success for the party because “it gave the group an opportunity to show what it lacks, i.e. the ability to cooperate and have international contacts.”

At the same time the visit of the conservative American “fits well into the AfD strategy” – assessed “SZ”. As it was emphasized, deputies of this party regularly travel to the USA, trying to get closer to Trump's entourage and his MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement.

In October, AfD vice-president Kay Gottschalk visited the United States. He did not hide the fact that the purpose of his visit to the USA was for the Americans to put pressure on the Christian Democrats who are co-ruling in Germany. His main goal was to end the thorough monitoring of his party by the German Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV).

“SZ” reported that the AfD also raised local issues in talks with Americans. She touched upon, among others: issues regarding the court's exclusion of their politician Joachim Paul from the elections for mayor of Ludwigshafen am Rhein in Rhineland-Palatinate.

At the same time, AfD is inspired by the Trump camp in terms of its program. According to “SZ”, in this case it is about focusing on identity, climate and migration issues.

An example of inspiration from the right wing in the USA is a strategic document written by the vice-chairman of the AfD parliamentary faction, Beatrix von Storch, which describes how this group intends to “break down the wall of isolation” and, ultimately, come to power. This strategy is to deeply divide society and the political scene through a “culture war” – so that two opposing camps are created. In von Storch's vision, it will be the AfD in Germany and the Left, which is gaining popularity among young people.

Similarities between the AfD and the MAGA movement can also be seen in their methods of operation, noted “SZ”. In mid-October, AfD submitted a bill to the Bundestag banning Antifa activities – after a few weeks earlier, after the murder of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, Trump recognized Antifa as a terrorist organization. – If a topic, in this case thanks to Trump, gains publicity, we, of course, try to use this momentum – later explained AfD MP Goetz Froemming.

The AfD also looks to the USA when conducting election campaigns. Following Bruesewitz's advice, the party is to consider organizing more frequent public events with the participation of several thousand supporters, as well as introducing a more positive message on social media.

From Berlin Mateusz Obremski (PAP)

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