Brilliant Ads Help Explain the Rise of AfD in Germany

One recent poll placed AfD in second place in German politics as support for SPD is at record lows. Alexander, a German reader sent in some ads with english translations.

The feature images translates as "Traditional? We like it that way!Trust Yourself Germany."

Alexander writes:

Mish,

Here are some typical Afd posters. They illustrate the brilliant marketing of the AfD.

I stand by my observation that the AfD leadership is composed of misfits and cranks. However, their marketing people were sophisticated and successfully positioned the AfD as a party of stability. The legitimate parties failed completely in their attempt to brand the AfD as radical bomb throwers.

Note, in German political campaigns, these posters are everywhere. The AfD posters were changed relatively often with definite marketing strategy determine the change and timing in each poster.

Alex

Comments beneath each image are from Alex.

Franz Josef Strauß would vote AfD

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These posters appeared in Bavaria a week before the Election. “Franz Josef Strauß would vote AfD”. Franz Josef Strauß was the epic CSU party leader of the 1960-80s. He is revered by all Bavarians. This would be equivalent to the US Democrats saying “Ronald Reagan would vote for Hillary”. Preposterous? Not if the mental groundwork was laid during the campaign that the AfD is the party of stability and prosperity.

Targeting the Gay Vote

“My Partner and I do not value acquaintances with Muslim Immigrants who say our love is a death sentence”

Rainbow of Diversity

“Rainbow of Diversity ? We already have it.” These are folk costumes of various Southern German regions

I Vote AfD

“I vote Afd because I know what Islam can mean if we do not watch out. My German friends please let us protect our home, Berlin”

It’s subtlety suggested that the hipster photo quoted is a muslim Turk.

Burka?

“Burka ? I think a Burgundy is more my style.”

Sophie Scholl

“Sophie Scholl would vote Afd” There were versions of this with a photo of Sophie and a powerful quote.

Mish Comments

Sophie Scholl was an anti-Nazi political activist within the White Rose non-violent resistance group in Nazi Germany.

She was convicted of treason for distributing anti-war leaflets at the University of Munich along with her brother Hans. Both were executed by guillotine. Since the 1970s, Scholl has been extensively commemorated for her anti-Nazi resistance work.

I am not from Germany, but this seems like a powerful campaign tactic given that AfD is accused of neo-Nazi ties.

Mike "Mish" Shedlock