Part 6/10:
The underlying issue is not merely with political performance but encompasses a broader critique of media influence and public discourse. Many citizens lack independent agency when casting their votes and are largely swayed by mainstream media narratives, suggesting a disconnect between voter interests and media-controlled messaging.
Media Control and Public Opinion
The state of media in Germany is paramount to understanding current democratic failures. Approximately 40% of the media landscape is state-controlled, with public broadcasters disseminating narratives that align closely with government policies. This creates a narrow framework of acceptable discourse where dissenting opinions, particularly from parties like the AfD, are frequently marginalized or attacked.