In Berlin, Christoph Heubner, Executive Vice President of the International Auschwitz Committee commented on the growing strength of the AfD in Germany and the associated developments at local level:

"For survivors of the Holocaust, the growing strength of the AfD in Germany is seen as a significant challenge, parallel to the popularization of hate-filled right-wing mind-sets in Europe. The survivors have been following the radicalization of the AfD very closely as it mutates into a party of far-right extremist and anti-Semitic hatred, and they are very concerned by the recurring controversial attitudes and vacillations of democrats towards this anti-democratic party at local level.

They are also deeply concerned by the migration of disenchanted voters from the democratic parties and their prompt affiliation with the extreme right. Especially in the current situation all democratic parties must ensure that their firewall against the AfD stands firm at all levels of political activity in the country. Consequently, the renewed resounding call by CDU chairman Merz to take a clear and decisive stand against the AfD is of particular importance. The result of the vote for the mayor of Schwerin will reveal whether the CDU leader’s strong rhetoric is accepted and shared by his party colleagues in Schwerin and whether the CDU will also support the democratic candidate in the run-off. Any other choice would be a fatal sign of crumbling credibility, and the growing strength of the AfD."