Between rejection and rapprochement: Lena Elfers in Erfurt's AfD stronghold

Between rejection and rapprochement: Lena Elfers in Erfurt's AfD stronghold

Journalist Lena Elfers goes on an unusual trip to Erfurt. For a ten-day experiment, she wants to experience directly the challenges and prejudices that both refugees and locals experience in an AfD stronghold. Your report bears the provocative title “Foreigners are criminals, Americans are racist?” and sheds light on the political views and social tensions in East Germany.

In Erfurt, where the AfD achieved a majority in the last federal election, she lives in the accommodation on Herrenberg, which is run by Monika Fiege - a staunch AfD voter. Monika expresses her concerns about refugees who, in her opinion, are unable to work and live at the expense of the state. Lena reflects on her difficulties in responding appropriately to such statements.

Encounters in a divided society

Elfers' stay includes not only conversations with residents, but also direct experiences with refugees in the accommodation. Here she meets the Nigerian refugee Egosha, who speaks openly about the rejection he feels in German society. At the same time, Seba, a Syrian refugee, emphasizes that many people are willing to learn and integrate into society. These differentiated perspectives contrast with the fears of residents without a migration background, who report a loss of their sense of home.

Miri, a local resident, highlights that she sees the problem not only with migrants, but with certain men, which points to the complexity of the discussion. This shows how prejudices and fears shape the political mood and influence social discourse. According to MDR, Lena carries out many everyday activities with the refugees, including visits to the authorities and doctor's visits. She even spends her free time with the children and shoots a zombie film in the Herrenberg district.

Perspectives and political radicalization

The report examines the tension between rejection and rapprochement and addresses the effects of political radicalization on everyday life. Lena summarizes her experiences in Erfurt and states that she did not meet extreme people, but rather people with worrying political views. It becomes clear that the social conflicts in Erfurt are not only regional, but also play a role nationwide.

Rounded off by Lena Elfers' encounters and the impressions she collected, the report addresses a central question: How can coexistence succeed in a divided society? This programmatic narrative is part of the “Y-Kollektiv” format, which was launched on the content network funk in 2016 and now integrates regular reports from MDR.