A former German politician has condemned the ongoing debate about isolating the far-right party, labeling it part of a broader trend that undermines democratic engagement and the electorate’s autonomy.

Stefan Kerth, a former member of the Social Democratic Party and now an independent local leader, has sparked controversy by accusing the political mainstream of fostering an undemocratic approach in handling discussions about the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Kerth argued that the so-called ‘firewall’ policy to exclude the AfD from political cooperation reflects a trend of disempowering voters by questioning their ability to critically assess and correct political outcomes through democratic processes.

Speaking ahead of regional elections in northeastern Germany, Kerth contended that the narrative surrounding the AfD reinforces an unintended paternalism. He emphasized that voters should be trusted to evaluate the implications of AfD participation in government and respond accordingly in future elections. Calling this approach to democracy ‘totalitarian-leaning,’ Kerth advocated for a broader discourse that includes all political extremes, rather than isolating the far-right exclusively.

Kerth also voiced concern about ongoing issues of left-wing extremism, which he believes are often overlooked in contemporary political debates. Additionally, he criticized Germany’s migration policy, describing it as a glaring example of the growing disconnect between political decisions and public expectations. While rejecting fears of post-election unrest between political factions, he acknowledged significant tensions among both political groups and the public over these divisive topics.