Call for a New Unifying ‘Republic’ Narrative Amid AfD’s Electoral Gains

In the wake of the AfD’s electoral surge in Saxony-Anhalt, author Simon Strauß calls for a new political lexicon built around the word “Republic,” arguing that familiar categories like democracy have lost their persuasive power. He proposes that this “flag word” could bridge left, centre and right by embodying respect, inclusion and solidarity. Strauß’s essay, featured in FAZ-Kultur, labels the AfD as right-revolutionary and mentions its regional leader Ulrich Siegmund, while simultaneously avoiding a direct condemnation of the party’s racism.

The article has drawn criticism for its ambiguous stance on what constitutes right-wing ideology and for simplifying the historical meaning of ancient republics, ignoring their reliance on slavery. Strauß also calls for renewed constitutional patriotism, referencing the “Nordhausen zusammen” coalition that uses specific articles of the German Basic Law to illustrate democratic values. He argues that the constitution itself, rated highly in 2024 surveys, should be defended rather than replaced by vague notions of the common good. The piece ends with a reminder that fresh ideas, not ceremonial events, are needed to sustain a functional democracy.