A sociologist, Hartmut Rosa, has examined the rise of far-right political movements in eastern Germany, focusing on factors like social stigma, government policies, emotional political engagement, and the spread of uniform or rigid thinking. In a detailed interview with the left-leaning German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung, Rosa analyzed the recent electoral success of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Saxony-Anhalt and what it means for the broader European political landscape. He highlighted how public broadcasting and some media organizations label political parties, arguing that excluding the AfD and the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) from the category of "democratic parties" can lead to a form of "othering," where these groups are seen as fundamentally different or undesirable. Rosa explained that many AfD supporters believe they are acting within a democratic framework but feel their current political system does not reflect their values or needs. Some refer to a concept known as "oriented democracy," suggesting that they believe democracy should be more directly aligned with their personal or regional interests. This idea challenges traditional views of democracy, which emphasize broad participation and inclusive governance. The interview also referenced comments from Jörg Schönenborn, a political scientist, who noted that voters in eastern Germany often feel alienated from mainstream political parties. This sense of disconnection has led to increased instances of "protest voting," where people support far-right parties not out of ideological alignment but as a form of dissent against the political establishment. Rosa’s analysis underscores the complex interplay between political sentiment, media portrayal, and the evolving nature of democratic participation in Germany. His insights offer a deeper understanding of why far-right movements are gaining traction in regions where people feel unheard or misunderstood by the political system.