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Three Days Left Until Germany's Elections: A Scenario in Which Expatriates Lose

Dr. Hüseyin Nazlıkul
Dr. Hüseyin Nazlıkul 20.02.2025 4 min read

Germany is approaching a critical election process. These elections concern not only Germany's native population but also millions of immigrants who live, work, produce and pay taxes here. The rising right-wing populism and xenophobia seen across Europe is also gaining strength in Germany. In particular, the AfD (Alternative for Germany), known for its anti-immigrant rhetoric, could show a serious rise in these elections. But changing this course is in our hands!

AS IMMIGRANTS, WE HAVE A SAY!

The 1.5-1.7 million German citizens of Turkish origin living in Germany, and the more than 5 million voters of immigrant origin overall, represent a force capable of determining election outcomes. If this group unites and goes to the polls, it could reach a critical vote share of 8-13%. Unfortunately, however, this potential is not reflected at the ballot box nearly enough. The voter turnout rate among immigrants remains well below average.
But one fact remains: if we, as immigrants, go to the polls, we can determine Germany's political future.

WHY SHOULD WE GO TO THE POLLS?

In recent years, right-wing populist parties have voiced their anti-immigrant policies ever more loudly. The AfD's election campaigning is built directly on anti-immigrant sentiment, Islamophobia, and undermining integration. Citizens of Turkish origin and Muslim communities in particular are among this party's biggest targets. Beyond this, the problems we face as immigrants living in Germany continue:

  • Discrimination and unequal opportunity in working life
  • Being at a disadvantage in education
  • Unequal access to social benefits
  • The rise of racism and xenophobia

To be able to fight these problems, we need to support parties that represent us, protect our rights, and pursue immigrant-friendly policies. The rise of the AfD and the CDU could lead to further restrictions on these rights.

LET'S STAND UP FOR OUR DEMOCRACY AND OUR VALUES!

The rise of the far right around the world has come to threaten democracy and social peace. Populist leaders in particular are trying to develop authoritarian policies while disregarding fundamental values such as human rights, equality and social justice. The efforts of figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk to shape global politics, and the declining respect for democracy, should serve as a warning to all of us.

The far right poses a major threat aimed at isolating immigrants, undermining integration, and restricting our social rights. The fact that these tendencies are gaining strength even in countries with deeply rooted democracies like Germany poses a serious danger for our future. If we don't raise our voices now, we could become victims of these policies in the years to come.

Not voting in this process means giving up our rights and our future. Now is the time to go to the polls and stand in the way of anti-immigrant, divisive policies.

WE MUST RALLY AROUND THE SPD!

The SPD stands out as a party that defends immigrants' rights and produces policies for equality and social justice. Key policies supported by the SPD:

  • Expanding dual citizenship and increasing immigrants' political rights
  • Policies to combat discrimination in the workplace
  • Equal opportunity in education and support for immigrant children
  • A clear stance against xenophobia and racism
  • Social policies that encourage the integration of immigrants
  • The SPD acts on the principle of the social welfare state, rejecting divisive policies like those of the AfD.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

Participate in the elections: If we are German citizens and have the right to vote, let's be sure to go to the polls. Even one vote can make a difference!

Raise awareness among those around us: Let's inform our families, friends and colleagues about the importance of the elections.

Encourage young people to vote: Raising awareness among the younger generations, whose participation in political processes is low, is a responsibility we all share.

Let's support immigrant-friendly parties: We need to support parties like the SPD in order to prevent the rise of the AfD and the CDU.

Let's make our voices heard on social media and in public discourse: We need to raise awareness to highlight the political power of immigrants. This election will determine not only today, but tomorrow as well. If we want a future in Germany with equal rights, free from discrimination, we must go to the polls. It's time to unite and show our strength at the ballot box! Voting means protecting our future.

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