During a time when Germany finds itself inching into the global spotlight as the leading nation of the European Union, its population is beginning to experience an interesting shift in its sentiments about who should have power—and how that power should be wielded.
Earlier this year, journalist Bertrand Benoit reported on this shift, in an article titled, "On the march— how Germany's extreme right is making gains in the blighted east" (Financial Times, January 9, 2007). It seems that Germany's National Democratic Party (in German, Nationaldemokratische Partei Deutschlands, or NPD) is beginning to make substantial gains through impressive grassroots efforts, especially in eastern Germany. The NPD is pursuing a strategy of winning leadership at the local level as a springboard into national levels. The strategy seems to be working, and many are becoming concerned.
Why the concern? Benoit writes, "The NPD does not recognize Germany's Fundamental Law as a legitimate constitution, because it was not put to referendum when it was passed in 1949, and sees U.S. forces on German soil as occupation troops. The party is unashamedly racist and anti-Semitic and does not consider itself an actor in the political system but an alternative to it."
Previously seen as a "gray-haired party for SS veterans," the extreme-right, neo-fascist NPD is now making great headway among younger Germans. What is its appeal? The Financial Times article quotes Cord Bollenbach, an anti-NPD activist in northeastern Germany, who says, "They like the idea of a Führer, which was as much part of the East German political culture as it was under the Third Reich."
Consider this in light of the results of a poll taken of 5,000 German citizens, reported by Spiegel Online on November 8, 2006. Pollsters found that 15.1 percent of the respondents—almost 1 in 6—agreed with this statement: "We should have one leader to rule Germany with a strong hand for the good of everyone." Another 11.6 percent agreed that "if Hitler hadn't exterminated Jews he would be seen as a great statesman today."
One is reminded of the words of Dr. Paul-Henri Spaak of Belgium, first president of the United Nations General Assembly and one of the founders of the European Common Market—which grew into the European Union: "We do not want another committee, we have too many already. What we want is a man of sufficient stature to hold the allegiance of all the people and to lift us up out of the economic morass into which we are sinking. Send us such a man, and whether he be God or devil, we will receive him."
Is the stage being set for the appearance of "such a man"?
The Bible powerfully proclaims that a dictatorial power will rise in Europe—a revived Roman Empire, pictured in Revelation as a beast rising out of the sea (Revelation 13:1). Though the nations mix poorly, like iron and clay (Daniel 2:41–43), this power will have a man of "sufficient stature to hold the allegiance of all the people," aided by the influence of a powerful religious figure (Revelation 13:11–13). This power will persecute true Christians who keep the commandments of God and who hold the testimony of Jesus Christ (Revelation 12:17; 13:7). This power will rise in the end times just before Christ's return (Daniel 2:44). The shifts of thought, sentiment, and power we see occurring in Germany—and elsewhere—are laying the foundation for events that will soon come to pass!
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The above is adapted from one of the many commentaries, discussing vital topics facing our world, available at the www.lcg.org and www.tomorrowsworld.org Web sites.