The elections for the Berlin House of Representatives are taking place at the same time as the federal election. And since Berlin, as the federal capital, is of particular importance, we were pleased about the meeting with the lead candidate of Bündnis 90/Die Grünen, Bettina Jarasch. Among other things, our conversation dealt with the different threats to which a free and democratic society is exposed. In this context we explained our association’s 360° approach. In order to do justice to the justified criticism of the „horseshoe theory“ of extremism research, the 360° approach does name the various threats, but does not thereby place them on an equal footing in terms of their relevance. Right-wing extremism, for instance, certainly plays a particular role, because it is deeply anchored in society and aims at gaining majorities.
A further topic was how to deal with the Muslim community. Here it is important to strengthen those actors who act firmly on the basis of the values of the Grundgesetz, and not to give standing to those who pursue an anti-liberal agenda. On the subject of antisemitism, it was important to Ms Jarasch to draw attention to the fact that within Die Grünen the sensitivity to Israel-related antisemitism, which is in part also widespread in left-wing circles, has become very high. We very much welcome this.
We thank her for the conversation and look forward to continuing the contact.
