With Germany’s federal election scheduled for 23 February 2025, the Kurdish community has issued a comprehensive set of demands to political parties, calling for greater inclusion, recognition, and an end to systemic discrimination. Their appeals coincide with a period of political instability following the collapse of the SPD-Green-FDP coalition and the alarming rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).
Kurdish community’s call for inclusion amid 2025 German election turmoil
Representing an estimated 1.5 million Kurds, the community stresses the urgent need for recognition as a distinct migration group, separate from the national categories of their countries of origin. They argue that current policies marginalize Kurdish identity in critical areas such as asylum law, integration, and linguistic rights.
The Kurds are also calling for:
*Multilingual publications that include Kurdish. *Full inclusion of Kurdish organisations in political and societal decision-making processes. *The lifting of the ban on the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which they say restricts their political participation and impacts asylum and citizenship applications. *An immediate halt to deportations, particularly to Turkey and Syria, citing the unsafe conditions for Kurds in these regions.
The community is deeply concerned about Germany’s ongoing arms sales to Turkey, arguing that these weapons are used in anti-Kurdish military operations in northern Syria. They are urging an immediate suspension of all arms exports to Turkey and greater humanitarian aid for the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), which they see as a key partner in regional stability.
Political instability and the rise of the far-right
Germany’s election comes amidst significant political shifts. The SPD-Green-FDP coalition collapsed in late 2024 due to internal conflicts, paving the way for new dynamics in the 2025 elections. Currently, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leads in the polls, with approximately 30.8% support, while the ruling SPD and Greens face declines.
At the same time, the far-right AfD has surged to 20.2%, reflecting growing anti-immigration and Eurosceptic sentiments. The Kurdish community and broader civil society view this rise with alarm, noting its implications for minority rights and democratic stability. Despite their rising popularity, mainstream parties have ruled out coalitions with the AfD, aiming to isolate their influence.
Criminalisation policies and KON-MED’s advocacy
The Kurdish diaspora in Germany faces ongoing criminalisation policies, which target individuals and organisations advocating for Kurdish rights. KON-MED (Konföderation der Gemeinschaften Kurdistans in Deutschland e. V.), an umbrella organisation representing Kurdish communities in Germany, has repeatedly highlighted the restrictive measures imposed by German authorities. These include surveillance, limitations on freedom of assembly, and bans on symbols associated with Kurdish identity and activism.
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KON-MED has emphasised that these policies not only hinder the democratic struggle of Kurds in Germany but also contribute to the marginalisation of a community seeking to address human rights issues in Turkey and Syria. The association’s calls for international solidarity have resonated across various human rights platforms, urging Germany to reconsider its approach.
A call for solidarity
As Germany prepares for its next election, the Kurdish community emphasises that addressing their demands is essential for fostering justice, peace, and stability. They also urge Germany to use its influence with Turkey to encourage renewed dialogue on the Kurdish question, highlighting the importance of PKK founder Abdullah Öcalan in any potential peace process.
