A Historic Responsibility in Germany: Where Do Trump and Musk Fit In
As Germany approaches the February 23, 2025 elections, the country finds itself at a critical turning point for its political future. Authoritarian and far-right movements rising on a global scale are also making their presence felt in Germany. However, there is a powerful counterbalance to this trend: immigrant-origin voters. As part of Germany's multicultural society, immigrants can play a decisive role in these elections by going to the polls to protect the country's democratic and pluralistic structure.
THE ELECTORAL POWER OF IMMIGRANTS: BEING AWARE OF IT AND USING IT
Millions of people of immigrant origin live in Germany. A significant portion of them, as German citizens, have the right to vote and to stand for election. However, in previous elections, the turnout rate of immigrant-origin voters remained lower compared to the general voter average. This situation created a gap that paved the way for the rise of the far right and anti-immigrant policies.
At this point, the fundamental question is this: are immigrant-origin voters aware of their own power? Because the real determining factor in politics is not only the candidates and parties, but also the active participation of voters. If immigrants show a high turnout rate in these elections and vote in favor of a pluralistic, democratic Germany, they can prevent the rise of the far right. This is not merely an individual choice, but a collective responsibility for Germany's future.
THE RISE OF THE FAR RIGHT: DEMOCRACY AND SOCIAL PEACE AT RISK
In recent years, the rise of the far right in Germany has become a threat affecting not only immigrants but all of society. The strengthening of far-right parties and movements like the AfD is not limited to anti-immigrant policies alone — it also targets Germany's democratic and social structure. The far right coming closer to power means the erosion of the rule of law, the liberal democratic system, and human rights.
In particular, younger generations need to defend a multicultural Germany integrated into the global world. Germany is not just Germany; it is one of the centers of the global economy, the European Union, and the international workforce. The policies of the far right weaken not only immigrants but also Germany's international standing. For this reason, halting the rise of the far right is not only an issue for immigrants, but for all of Germany.
THE SPD AND SCHULZ: AN OPTION FOR A MULTICULTURAL GERMANY
In these elections, the SPD is at the forefront of the parties defending social peace, pluralism and social justice. Martin Schulz and the SPD have shown a clear stance on the integration of immigrants into society, strengthening social justice, and pushing back the far right. It is of vital importance for immigrant-origin voters to support a political line that defends their own rights and way of life — not only for their own future, but also to protect Germany's democratic structure.
Social democratic parties like the SPD, with policies that encourage the active participation of immigrants in economic and social life, can serve as an antidote to the far right. The support of immigrant voters is of great importance to ensure the continuation of such policies, which advocate a more inclusive approach on education, employment, social rights and citizenship in Germany.
For immigrants living in Germany, certain steps included in the SPD's party platform carry great importance. In particular, the new citizenship law is a historic development toward enabling immigrants to become a full part of society. With this regulation, many people who have lived and worked in Germany for years will now be able to obtain full citizenship rights. This is an important step not only in terms of individual rights, but also for social integration. At the same time, while bringing irregular migration under control, keeping the door open for skilled immigrants who want to work in Germany also shows a balanced approach to migration policy.
Economically, raising the minimum wage to 12 euros per hour provides financial security particularly for lower-income immigrants. In addition, affordable housing policies and tax cuts for low- and middle-income citizens play an important role in the fight against the rising cost of living. The SPD also aims to support families with children by offering more child benefits and better educational opportunities. This is a great opportunity for immigrant families to secure their children's future.
Ensuring equality in education and the labor market is also among the SPD's priorities. Reforms such as expanding vocational training opportunities, equal opportunity between women and men, digitalization, and reducing bureaucracy can particularly facilitate the faster integration of immigrant-origin individuals. At the same time, taking a strong stand against racism and the far right is of critical importance for immigrants to live in a safe and just society. All these policies aim to increase the rights and quality of life of immigrants living in Germany, and for this reason, the SPD's platform holds great significance for us.
RATHER THAN FEARING TRUMP AND MUSK, LET'S RECOGNIZE OUR OWN POWER
In recent years, populist and authoritarian tendencies have been steadily gaining strength around the world. Figures like Trump in the US, and Elon Musk in the tech world, hold great power in the economic and political arena. But the real question is this: should we fear their power, or should we recognize our own?
Immigrants are the largest political community in the global world. In Europe, the US, Canada, Australia and many other countries, immigrants have the demographic power to shape politics. But it is necessary to be aware of this power and use it in an organized way. Germany's elections could be a critical period for developing this awareness and increasing democratic participation.
A BRIEF NOTE ON ELECTIONS IN GERMANY
Elections in Germany are one of the cornerstones of the democratic process and are held at regular intervals. Federal Parliament (Bundestag) elections are held every four years, while European Parliament and most state parliament (Landtag) elections are held every five years. However, the Bremen State Parliament (Bremische Bürgerschaft) is an exception to this general rule and is elected every four years. Election dates must fall within a period of several months set by the constitution. The exact dates are usually announced about a year before the election.
These elections are of great importance for everyone living in Germany, as they determine political balances and shape the country's future. However, unfortunately, the turnout rate among voters of Turkish origin in particular remains quite low. Yet elections are an important opportunity for immigrant communities to make their voices heard and protect their rights. For this reason, it is of great importance for German citizens of immigrant origin to follow the election calendar and, in particular, to go to the polls on February 23, 2025 to exercise their democratic rights.
THE GERMAN ELECTORAL SYSTEM AND ITS IMPORTANCE FOR IMMIGRANTS
In Germany's federal elections, voters cast two votes: the Erststimme (first vote) and the Zweitstimme (second vote). These two votes serve different functions and determine how the election results will take shape. Using these votes correctly is of critical importance for immigrant-origin voters in taking a strong stand against the far right.
The Erststimme (First Vote): Direct Representative Election
With the first vote, voters directly elect a candidate in the constituency (Wahlkreis) where they live. If this candidate wins a majority of the votes in that district, they enter the Bundestag directly and win a seat for their party. Under the previous electoral system, the candidate who received the most votes in a constituency was guaranteed election.
However, with the reforms carried out in 2024, for this candidate to now enter the Bundestag, their party must also achieve a sufficient share of the Zweitstimme (second vote) in that state. This change has made strategic voting particularly important in preventing far-right parties from winning more seats.
THE ZWEITSTIMME (SECOND VOTE): DETERMINES THE STRENGTH OF THE PARTIES
The second vote is not used for individual candidates directly, but to support the party the voter prefers. This vote is the most critical one, as it determines how many members of parliament each party will have in the federal parliament (Bundestag).
Since the Zweitstimme determines the total number of seats for each party, it carries great importance for immigrants. If we want a party that defends immigrant rights, social justice and equality to be strongly represented in parliament, we must use this vote consciously.
STRATEGIC VOTING FOR IMMIGRANT VOTERS
The rise of far-right parties and the strengthening of anti-immigrant policies make how we vote in elections even more important. It is a critical necessity for immigrant-origin voters in Germany to give both votes to parties that defend democracy and social justice, in order to protect social peace and prevent discriminatory policies.
Giving both the Erststimme and the Zweitstimme to immigrant-friendly parties like the SPD is one of the most effective ways to break the power of the far right.
With the Erststimme, we can help the SPD's direct candidate win.
With the Zweitstimme, we can contribute to the SPD gaining more members of parliament overall. For this reason, giving both of our votes, as immigrants, to parties that will protect our rights and defend social equality is a critical step that will directly affect our future.
CONCLUSION: WE MUST ACT BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE
For immigrants living in Germany, and especially for German citizens of Turkish origin, these elections are not just about casting a vote. This is an opportunity to shape Germany's future. If we don't want to see the far right rise, if we want to live in a multicultural, democratic and tolerant Germany, we must act before it's too late.
Voting is not only a right, but also a responsibility. As immigrants, understanding the importance of this election, we must defend our democratic rights and turn out strongly at the polls to protect Germany's multicultural structure. Because our fate is in our own hands.