The AfD calls for harsh consequences for men who commit violence against women. This does not seem to apply to one’s own party members, as a case in Berlin shows.
It sounds like a clear “basta” that the AfD leader has sent out via the party’s mailing list this Wednesday: ”Migration crisis makes women fair game,” says Alice Weidel in an email to the press with a view to the increased numbers of Acts of violence against women. Women need to be better protected from “gender-specific attacks”. “Things cannot and must not continue like this.”
On a current occasion, the AfD’s designated candidate for chancellor is highlighting a topic that is an evergreen for the AfD: violence against women, explicitly coming from migrants. It is indeed particularly significant for the AfD in the current election campaign. The party announced its goal of winning over more women – as voters,but also as officials in its ranks. The AfD is even more dominated by men then most other parties and the number of women is small.
However, according to research by t-online, they do not apply the severity and consistency that Weidel and her colleagues often loudly demand when it comes to the issue of violence against women against migrants in their own party. Then there is obviously no “basta”, in contrast: then people take sides with the perpetrator and there is a lot of silence.
This is made clear by the case of AfD employee Wolfram Z. against Eva-Marie Doerfler. Wolfram Z. actually has a different name, but since he is not known to the public, the t-online editorial team is calling him something different here for reasons of privacy.
Z. hit Doerfler in the face with his fist in
Both the perpetrators and the victims were AfD members at the time. But the act of violence had no consequences for Z. Rather, party members urged Doerfler not to make a big deal about the punch. Just no scandal,please.
According to data from t-online, Z. continues to work as a consultant for the AfD parliamentary group in the Bundestag. Doerfler has since left the party.But she no longer wants to remain silent; she is too bothered by the party’s handling of the case. She has since commented on this in a live stream on her Instagram channel.
“It is indeed an absolute mockery that the party that describes itself as the ‘only party based on the rule of law’ only exercises law internally when it fits the party line,” the 38-year-old tells t-online. “The motto ‘protecting victims instead of protecting perpetrators’ is often used on posters, but apparently it doesn’t apply to the afd.”
The crime scene on February 26, 2022 is the pub “Zum Hecht” in the Berlin district of Charlottenburg. It is known for being open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A place for those who want to continue partying when most bars are already closing their doors.
Wolfram Z. and Eva-Marie Doerfler were at an event the evening before that was about the then relatively new social media portal GETTR. Until then they only knew each other briefly, more by name.They move on together with others, talking and drinking cocktails, schnapps and beer. In the end it washes them into the “pike”.
In the early hours of the morning the situation escalated.in court, the versions that Doerfler and Z. tell about what happened will differ significantly. The Tiergarten district court lists them in its ruling: Doerfler states that political topics were discussed at the table, including the war in Ukraine. She got up and wanted to go to the toilet. She had the impression that Z. had said something to her. As she leaned over the table, Z.suddenly hit her in the face with his fist.
What impact does the AfD’s rhetoric on violence against women have on public perception and xenophobia?
Interview between Time.News Editor and Political Analyst
Time.News Editor: Welcome to time.News. Today we have a special guest, esteemed political analyst Dr. Anna Becker, here to unpack the recent statements made by the Option for Germany (AfD) party regarding violence against women. thank you for joining us,Dr. Becker.
dr. Anna Becker: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The AfD has made headlines recently after party leader Alice Weidel sent out a strong message condemning violence against women, especially in the context of rising migrant-related incidents. How do you interpret this sudden shift in focus for the party?
dr.Becker: It’s quite captivating and somewhat tactical. The AfD has long used the narrative of migrant-related violence to mobilize their base and appeal to voters, particularly women, who may feel vulnerable. this current emphasis seems to be a strategic attempt to broaden their appeal in the upcoming election by positioning themselves as protectors of women.
Editor: yes, but isn’t there a contradiction? On one hand, they’re calling for harsh measures against offenders, yet there are instances where they seem to overlook similar behaviors within their own ranks. Would you say there’s a double standard at play here?
Dr. Becker: Absolutely. This is a important contradiction. Their rhetoric on violence against women sounds strong, but if we look at cases involving AfD members, such as the recent allegations against Wolfram Z., we see a different response. The party’s silence and reluctance to act against their own highlights a troubling inconsistency in their commitment to protecting women.
Editor: Alice Weidel’s comment—“Migration crisis makes women fair game…”—is particularly striking. It seems to set a very perilous narrative. What are the implications of framing the issue this way?
Dr. Becker: When a political leader equates migration with violence against women, it perpetuates stereotypes and cultivates fear. This framing can dehumanize entire communities and distract from the complex realities of crime and violence, which are not exclusively tied to migration. It risks giving rise to increased xenophobia and undermines the genuine efforts to address domestic violence across all societal segments,including within the party itself.
Editor: the AfD’s aim to recruit more female officials and voters is a notable strategy. However, does this approach genuinely reflect an interest in women’s issues, or is it more a matter of optics?
Dr. Becker: I think it leans more towards optics. Their recent push to attract women comes at a time when they are more scrutinized for their predominantly male depiction. By addressing ’women’s issues,’ they may hope to position themselves as a party that cares, while concurrently using these issues to further their own agenda. The inconsistency in their approach suggests that this is not a genuine commitment but rather a calculated maneuver.
Editor: with the upcoming elections, what should voters take from the AfD’s rhetoric and actions regarding women’s safety and violence?
Dr.Becker: Voters should critically assess not only the rhetoric but also the actions—or lack thereof. Paying attention to how the AfD deals with allegations against its members and comparing that with how they treat similar cases elsewhere can provide insight into their true values.It’s vital to look beyond slogans and consider the practical implications of their policies and how they align with the party’s behaviour.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Becker,for these insightful perspectives.The political landscape can be quite complex, and understanding these dynamics is essential for informed voting. We appreciate your expertise on this pressing issue.
Dr. Becker: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we continue to shine a light on these topics as elections approach.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Stay informed, and join us next time for more discussions on current events and their impacts on our society.