Summary

Thousands of people across Germany rallied in mid-February under the slogan “Vote for love,” protesting the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) ahead of an election expected to see the party surge in support.

Activists warn of increasing anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and violence, citing 26 attacks on Pride marches last year.

The AfD opposes LGBTQ+ rights, despite its chancellor candidate Alice Weidel being openly lesbian.

Concerns also mount over mainstream parties adopting AfD’s stances, including efforts to repeal Germany’s Self-Determination law.

The office’s “major staff turnover,” as one team Fetterman veteran put it, comes amid a tough hiring environment for Democratic staffers in Washington.

“I don’t find this as a surprise,” said the former Fetterman campaign staffer, who requested anonymity to protect their livelihood. “I think the staff is probably frustrated that working in the Fetterman office means you’re just working on Israel all the time.”

Since the October 7 attack, Fetterman’s office has ignored most of the issues he campaigned on, instead turning almost all his focus toward the Israel–Palestine conflict, according to people familiar with his office. At the same time, Fetterman has added a number of Republican donors to his roster, The Intercept reported.

Since Trump took office last month, Fetterman has become a sometime Republican ally. He was one of 12 Democrats in the Senate to support the GOP’s draconian new immigration law. At times, Fetterman has been Trump’s sole ally across the aisle. He was the only Democrat to vote to confirm Pam Bondi, Trump’s nominee for attorney general who helped spread the lie that Trump won the 2020 presidential election.

cross-posted from: https://slrpnk.net/post/18686776

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