Historian Ute Frevert Explores 'Constitutional Feelings' Among Far-Right AfD Voters
Internationally renowned historian Ute Frevert, born in 1954, has delved into the emotional aspects of constitutions in her latest book, 'Constitutional feelings'. The German professor, known for her research on social underclasses and emotions in history, raises questions about the sentiment towards the constitution among voters of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
Frevert's latest work explores the relationship between citizens and their constitution, a topic she believes is often overlooked. She notes that while the AfD professes love for the German constitution, the sentiment among its voters may not align with this stance. This suspicion is not without precedent. In the 1950s, jurist Karl Loewenstein observed a lack of 'constitutional feeling' in the Federal Republic of Germany.
Trust in the Federal Constitutional Court remains high among German citizens, with other institutions failing to match this level. In 2023, a significant majority, 83 percent, expressed great or fairly great trust in their constitution. However, this was not always the case. In Weimar Germany, enthusiasm for the constitution grew over time, with nationwide constitutional celebrations held.
Constitutions, serving to organize power and define the state's relationship with its citizens, have an emotional dimension that influences acceptance of the state order. Frevert's book, published by Wallstein Verlag, aims to shed light on this often-neglected aspect of constitutionalism.
In contrast to the West, the constitution played a minimal role in political education in East Germany. Instead, focus was placed on distinguishing from the imperialist worldview.
Ute Frevert's 'Constitutional feelings' invites readers to consider the emotional connection between citizens and their constitution. While trust in the German constitution remains high, Frevert's work raises questions about the sentiment towards it among certain political groups. Her exploration of this emotional dimension offers a fresh perspective on constitutionalism and its role in shaping societal attitudes.
