This week, the State of the Union delves into the latest immigration politics in Germany and voting patterns in the US and other countries. In Germany, the far-right has gained traction in regional elections in East Germany, prompting the center-left coalition led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz to tighten controls at its borders to crack down on illegal immigration. The move aims to limit irregular migration and protect against the threats posed by Islamist terror and serious crime. The ruling coalition hopes to win back voters in the upcoming regional election in East Germany by implementing temporary border controls.
In Hungary, tensions between the EU Commission and the Hungarian government over immigration have reached a new high. Budapest has threatened to bus asylum seekers to Brussels as retaliation for a €200 million fine imposed by the European Court of Justice over Hungary’s treatment of asylum seekers. The threat has sparked criticism from Belgium and the EU Commission, highlighting the strained relations over immigration policies within the EU. Despite the threats, no bus transfer has taken place yet, but the rhetoric underscores the influence of populism on the immigration debate in Europe.
In the US, far-right populism is on the rise as the presidential election draws near. Donald Trump and Kamala Harris recently faced off in a televised debate, with polls indicating Harris as the winner, though the race remains tight. The election is deemed crucial for the survival of democracy in the US. Political scientist Ben Ansell from the University of Oxford discusses democracy’s state globally, noting that recent elections in various countries with free and fair elections have yielded encouraging results, suggesting that democracy is not necessarily in decline.
Ansell also explores the impact of identity politics and misinformation on democracy, emphasizing that people have always voted based on their demographics, despite the polarization in media coverage. He highlights the importance of first-time voters in the US elections, noting that younger Americans favor Harris, while older voters lean towards Biden. There is also a significant gender divide in voting patterns, with women more likely to support Harris and men favoring Trump, resulting in a substantial gender gap. The upcoming US election is expected to see increased participation from young voters and emphasize key issues such as abortion.
Overall, the political landscape in both Europe and the US is shaped by immigration policies, populism, and identity politics. The rise of the far-right in regional elections in Germany and tensions over immigration in the EU reflect the challenges faced by mainstream parties in addressing these issues. In the US, the upcoming presidential election will test the strength of democracy and the impact of demographics on voting behavior. As the debate continues, it is crucial to understand the dynamics of identity politics and misinformation in shaping political outcomes and the future of democracy.
