Germany: How to woo voters with an immigrant background
The number of voters in Germany with an immigrant background is rising. Yet the established parties barely manage to reach them. Why not?
Recent research from the German Center for Integration and Migration (DeZIM) reveals that German voters of immigrant background are moving away from established political parties. As of 2023, nearly eight million people, or 12% of eligible voters in Germany, had immigrant backgrounds. Despite this sizable demographic, the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) still holds the most potential among immigrants, with two-thirds considering it a viable option.
The center-right Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) follow close behind, with only one in five respondents categorically rejecting these parties. Meanwhile, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has the least potential among immigrant voters, with nearly two-thirds saying they would not vote for it.
Historically, the AfD has seen significant support from Germany's Russian community. However, the party is actively trying to win over the immigrant voter base by communicating in their native languages and using effective visuals. The Turkish Community in Germany (TGD) recalls the AfD's campaign in Berlin during the 2021 federal election, which featured a slogan claiming "Atatürk would vote for the AfD."
Despite this successful tactic, Gerlach of the TGD notes that immigrants are not inherently pro-immigration and often express skepticism toward new immigrants or refugees. This skepticism has helped the AfD gain support, as it taps into the xenophobic attitudes of Turkey's community. Political scientist Özgür Özvatan predicts that by 2030, more than half of Germany's population will have an immigrant background.
He criticizes the established parties for not adequately reaching out to voters with an immigrant background, both for recruitment and voter turnout. Özvatan argues that tapping into the experiences of those who have moved to Germany from authoritarian countries could be a significant political force. The AfD, he claims, relies on a strategy of dividing voters with an immigrant background, particularly between older immigrants and newcomers.
Written by urgent.news from DW English (Top Stories)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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