"Rising Concerns as Far-Right Leader Takes Helm in German County"

Fears are growing in Sonneberg, Germany, after the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) won the county administration for the first time since the Nazi era. While some residents support AfD's nationalist and anti-immigrant stance, others are concerned about the party's ties to far-right extremists and its antidemocratic rhetoric. Those who openly criticize AfD have faced threats and intimidation, leading to a climate of fear and self-censorship. The rise of AfD in eastern Germany is attributed to factors such as high immigration, the pandemic, and economic disparities. The party's success has raised concerns about the potential resurgence of fascism in Germany.