Feb 22, 2025 Story by: Publisher
Germany is gearing up for a pivotal federal election on Sunday, which could significantly impact the country’s direction on issues like migration, energy, and economic recovery. While the election’s impact on the Black community in Germany remains uncertain, it’s worth noting that none of the major parties have explicitly addressed the concerns of Black Germans, who make up a small but growing minority in the country.
The election comes after the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government, and polls suggest a tight race between the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). The CDU, led by Friedrich Merz, has taken a harder stance on immigration, while the AfD has been criticized for its anti-immigrant and nationalist rhetoric.
“If these elections could bring about any change, they’d not be allowed!” an elderly man exclaims to DW while passing by in Magdeburg, an eastern German city.
The remark comes just days before the German elections and weeks after a tragic incident in which a refugee of Saudi origin drove a rented car into a Christmas market crowd, killing at least six people and injuring 300 others.
The site of the attack still bears marks of mourning—small candles flicker on the ground, and a handwritten sign reading “warum?”—German for “why?”—remains visible.
“Racism was already an issue,” a young Muslim voter tells DW, “but it has worsened significantly after the attack. It’s deeply painful.” She adds that the upcoming elections have further intensified tensions.
As the election approaches, many Germans are focused on issues like the economy, energy prices, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, the Black community in Germany, which has historically faced discrimination and marginalization, will be watching closely to see how the next government addresses their concerns.
“The atmosphere in Magdeburg has changed. It’s hateful.”
High Emotions and Uncertainty Ahead of Elections
As Germany nears election day, emotions are running high, with key debates centering on migration, security, and economic stability. According to the ARD-Deutschlandtrend poll, one in three voters remains undecided. Campaign posters across Magdeburg promise a brighter future, but many remain skeptical.
Among them is Amidou Traore, originally from Ivory Coast, who has lived in Magdeburg since 1994 and now works for Caritas, a Catholic relief organization assisting migrants. He has noticed a rise in hostility toward foreigners since the attack.
“When people struggle in their own country, they look for someone to blame,” he observes. He urges Germany’s next government to represent all its residents.
Encouraging eligible voters to participate, he states, “Take your integration seriously, and if you have [German] citizenship, go vote!”
As a member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), Traore hopes the situation for migrants will improve after the elections—a hope shared by many.
Concerns Over Political Integrity
At the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, DW meets Akinola Famson, the representative head of the Africa Council in Berlin, who has lived in Germany for 30 years. Looking at the country’s political landscape, he expresses disappointment.
“One thing I love about this country is the value system rooted in Christianity. But those values are no longer respected. There is no more truth in politics. Nobody is ready to help. Now, the policy is, ‘Let’s bargain: What do I get if I assist you?’” Famson tells DW.
Despite this, he remains hopeful that the incoming government will recognize the contributions of people from diverse backgrounds.
“Our wish for the next government, no matter who comes to power, is to acknowledge our presence here. Tap into the resources we have, give us room to participate actively in the democratic order.”
Fear Over the Far-Right AfD
For Joseph Senais, director of the NGO Street Shepherd Africa, this election is crucial.
“This is one of the most important elections in German history, especially with the rise of the far right and the challenges facing Germany and Europe,” he tells DW.
His biggest concern is the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD).
“I’m worried because the problem with the AfD is not necessarily the leaders, but what they instill in people: fear,” Senais says. He believes the party lacks policies that would benefit Germans, Europe, or anyone.
He warns that the shifting political landscape should serve as a wake-up call for leaders to focus on real solutions.
A Different Perspective on Change
Not everyone views the AfD negatively. Josephine-Renee (surname withheld), a German citizen with Ghanaian roots, supports the idea of change in leadership.
“A lot of the liberal parties have had enough time to get things done, to make a change, and to keep their promises,” she tells DW.
“They haven’t done that. If they’re not doing their job, you kick them out.”
As the owner of The New Eve blog, she is prepared to defend her conservative views, despite criticism.
“I couldn’t possibly care less. I am a woman. I’m a mother. I’m a granddaughter. I’m a German citizen, and I’m a Black woman. People expect me to vote liberal because I’m a Black woman.” She insists she won’t conform to such expectations.
The Heated Migration Debate
Josephine-Renee lists her major concerns: the high cost of living, environmental issues, education, liberal feminism, and the transgender movement.
“I love living in Germany. I want to take care of the country I live in,” she says, advocating for drastic political reforms, particularly regarding immigration.
She recalls her grandfather’s journey:
“My granddad came to Germany in his late teens. He studied and became a doctor,” she explains. “People like him worked hard to earn respect. Now, that respect is being divided into ‘good immigrants’ and ‘bad immigrants.’ And right now, the bad seem to outweigh the good.”
However, a study by the Munich Ifo Institute for Economic Research found that a higher proportion of foreigners does not lead to increased crime rates.
Fekade Bekele, an expert in development and economics from Berlin’s Ethiopian community, believes migration is being used as a political tool.
“This is some kind of campaign to gain as many voters as possible,” he tells DW.
However, he emphasizes the importance of integration.
“If you talk, if you build friendships, this kind of hostility will be abolished,” he stresses.
“We have to feel we are part and parcel of this society. Unfortunately, some foreigners don’t try to learn the language or integrate.”
Encouraging Afro-Germans to Engage in Politics
In Frankfurt, SPD politician Armand Zorn’s campaign posters are visible on every corner. Born in Cameroon, he immigrated to Germany at 12 and has been a Bundestag member since 2021.
Understanding the concerns of the African diaspora, Zorn has been encouraging young Afro-Germans to get involved in politics. While he acknowledges Germany’s strong political system, he is concerned about rising conservatism.
“This is very worrisome,” Zorn says.
“Until recently, politics in Germany was about different parties working together, offering different perspectives, and then finding a compromise to move the country forward,” he explains.
“But now, we’re seeing more polarization, with parties refusing to collaborate. That’s a danger. That’s risky for our society.”
Members of the Afro-Diasporic Academics Network (ADAN) in Frankfurt—Furat Abdulle, Richmond Boakye, and Sophie Osen Akhibi—share concerns about Germany’s rightward shift.
“It’s a discourse that I cannot and will not support,” Abdulle states firmly.
Boakye, however, finds it difficult to stay detached.
“I think the discourse has shifted so much that we’re really starting to see ‘othering’ as normal. And that’s very dangerous for people who look like us.”
The ADAN members are working to highlight the needs and aspirations of Germans with African heritage. Their vision is for a society that provides opportunities for all citizens, regardless of background.
“If those who are the least privileged are doing well, then everyone will be doing well,” Abdulle says.
Osen Akhibi sums up the sentiment of many Afro-Germans:
“I would like us as a society to be able to turn on the news again and look forward to concepts on how we can move forward—not just watch the next dispute or debacle. Instead, I want us to work together and move away from this culture of conflict.”
Source: DW
