Yesterday was a historic day – but not in a positive sense. For the first time, a significant political step was taken with the votes of the AfD. Germany has now crossed a boundary that was previously considered untouchable. Psychologically, this marks a moment of shock with potentially catastrophic consequences, particularly for the German people. How could this happen? What deeply rooted fears, dynamics, and societal divisions enabled this step?

Friedrich Merz’s recent political actions reveal tactical misjudgments and raise more profound psychological questions. His approach, which grants legitimacy to AfD-aligned positions, has triggered political turbulence and had far-reaching emotional effects on society. The resulting uncertainty extends far beyond the realm of party politics and infiltrates the collective psyche of the people.

From a psychological perspective, Merz has set a dangerous dynamic in motion. Fear and insecurity are powerful emotions that can erode social cohesion and pit different societal groups against each other. Those already apprehensive about social change now feel validated in their concerns. They experience a reinforcement of their resentments, which are often not based on rational arguments but stem from deep-seated fears and identity conflicts. These fears manifest as aggression and defensive postures toward the perceived “others,” further fueling an atmosphere of polarization.

On the other side are those who now feel existentially threatened—especially people with a migration background or those advocating for an open society. For them, Merz’s course signals that their rights and status in society are no longer secure. The psychological burden on these groups is immense: they must continuously defend themselves against increasingly aggressive rhetoric and suppress their fears, while hatred and prejudice become more socially acceptable.

These psychological mechanisms are not new. They follow a well-established strategy of authoritarian movements: the creation of a scapegoat, the polarization of society, and the activation of latent fears. The emotional energy generated in this process is urgently needed for constructive social development, yet it is instead channeled into destructive conflicts. Rather than overcoming divisions, societal fractures are being deepened.

The long-term consequences of such actions are severe. Public discourse is increasingly dominated by fear and distrust, pushing rational solutions into the background. Confidence in democratic institutions erodes as people feel that politics is driven only by emotional spectacle and populist impulses. The division of society is not just an abstract danger but a profound psychological burden, manifesting in social withdrawal, growing mistrust, and, ultimately, the erosion of shared values.

With his actions, Friedrich Merz made a political mistake, whether consciously or unconsciously, and amplified fears, deepened societal wounds, and significantly increased the psychological strain on many people. A responsible politician should recognize these psychological mechanisms and know their far-reaching consequences. In global crises, further division is the last thing we need; we need social cohesion and psychological resilience.