Phantastische Malerei: 09/05/21

With this caricature, the artist once again creates a critical portrayal of Armin Laschet of the CDU/CSU (right), but this time, SPD leader Olaf Scholz (left) is also brought into focus. The two candidates are shown attempting to paint a new (neu) picture of their parties (the 'Volksparteien', meaning parties with general appeal to all groups in society), which are depicted, in the form of a mammoth, as failing and archaic. The title of the caricature, 'fantasy painting', implies that such a 'remodelling' of these two parties would be pure illusion, and that it is impossible for them to attain a new image.

The suggestion that these mainstream, moderate parties are losing popular appeal has been voiced by several political commentators. Indeed, discussion of a 'Krise der Volksparteien' (crisis of the 'Volksparteien') has been circulating for several years. Some feel that the concept of a 'catch-all' party is simply outdated and no longer accommodates the diverse interests and demands of the modern electorate. The image of the two traditional 'Volksparteien' is still very much that of older, white men, as emphasised in the caricature. The drab grey suits and stooped postures of the two candidates convey a lack of dynamism; if this is how the Union and SPD really are perceived, it is not hard to see why they are losing popularity, especially among younger voters.

Another reason which has been put forward for this 'crisis' is the rise of die Grünen, a phenomenon which has already been addressed in an earlier caricature. Even on a surface level, die Grünen can show that they are far more in line with the times thanks to their 40-year-old female leader Annalena Baerbock. They appear to be the party which has profited most from the decline of the 'Volksparteien', offering an alternative to the traditional players and directly addressing and identifying with current issues such as climate change.

The challenges facing the 'Volksparteien' in Germany can be seen in the wider context of political fragmentation and populism in many countries in recent years. The relative political consensus following the Second World War, which brought about the success of Christian democratic parties such as the CDU/CSU throughout Europe, certainly seems to be coming under more and more strain, as can also be seen in the rise of radical parties such as the AfD. Nevertheless, the fact remains that the Union continues to do well in polls, often gaining more support than all the other parties. Only the election itself will show the true extent to which the 'Volksparteien' are in crisis.

Source/further reading: https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/volksparteien-krise-cdu-csu-afd-gruene-1.4663979-3