Holocaust Survivor Returns Federal Order in Protest Against Far-Right Motion

Albrecht Weinberg, who is 99 years old and a survivor of the Holocaust, has announced his intention to return his federal order of merit to the German president. His decision comes as a direct response to the German parliament's passing of an anti-immigration motion that was backed by the far-right political party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD). Weinberg, whose parents were tragically murdered at Auschwitz, expressed his horror at how conservative parties had used the support of the AfD to advance their proposal.

Weinberg made a poignant comparison between the current political scenario in Germany and the events of 1933, when Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party exploited the democratic electoral process to gain power. He articulated his feelings of distress during a recent interview, indicating that the actions taken in the Bundestag bore resemblance to the past, specifically citing the historical consequences of such political alliances.

The motion put forth by the conservative coalition of the CDU and CSU aims to implement a policy wherein migrants and asylum seekers would be turned away at the German border, granting security forces greater authority to deport foreigners residing in Germany. This controversial move has drawn criticism, even from former Chancellor Angela Merkel, who admonished current CDU leader Friedrich Merz for deviating from a long-held commitment to keep a distance from the far-right party.

Having experienced the horrors of Auschwitz, Weinberg revealed his shock at finding out that even a close friend from the CDU had supported the motion in parliament. He expressed his disbelief at the reported tactics employed by the AfD, which had included distributing deportation flyers reminiscent of the Nazi regime's methods.

As he prepares to commemorate his 100th birthday in March, Weinberg’s resolve to return his medal underscores a broader alarm that he shares with other Holocaust survivors. He, along with his friend Luigi Toscano, who is also returning his order of merit, plan to present their concerns directly to President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, highlighting the urgent need for reflection on Germany's historical trajectory and the responsibilities of its current lawmakers.

The recent parliamentary vote sparked widespread criticism across the political spectrum and prompted calls to resist any collaboration with extremist parties. Similar sentiments were echoed by other Holocaust survivors, who reflected on the perils of political complacency and the slippery slope that can lead to the erosion of democracy.