In Germany too. This Saturday, the chancellor, Olaf Scholz, warned against “extremists” who seek to exploit social mobilizations, first and foremost that of farmers, saying he is worried about calls for violence which threaten democracy.
“When legitimate protests turn into anger or contempt for democratic processes and institutions, we all lose. Only those who despise our democracy will benefit,” the German leader warned in a written and video message.
“Anger is stoked in a targeted manner”
Referring to “the tractors which have been blocking city centers, roads and access to motorways” since the start of the week throughout Germany, Olaf Scholz emphasizes that “dispute is part of democracy”.
However, he adds, “anger is stoked in a targeted manner: (….) extremists, including through social media, despise all compromise and poison all democratic debate.”
“It is a toxic mixture which must concern us and which also concerns me greatly,” says the Chancellor.
Farmers distance themselves from the far right
The demonstrations by German farmers, who are protesting against cuts in public aid, are notably supported by the far-right AfD party, which is on the rise in the polls, while many extremist groups are calling on social networks to increase actions against the government of Olaf Scholz.
The chancellor said he was grateful to the president of the Farmers’ Union, Joachim Rukwied, “for having clearly distanced himself from the extremists and certain opportunists who trumpet calls for insurrection and talk about ‘overthrowing the system'” .
A large demonstration planned for this Monday in Berlin
“It’s not just nonsense. It’s dangerous (…), says the social democratic leader, whose coalition with the ecologists and the liberals is breaking records for unpopularity. “Calls for violence and personal threats have no place in our democracy,” says the Chancellor, who urges moderation and a spirit of compromise.
A major demonstration on Monday in Berlin should be the high point of the farmers’ mobilization.