Warning against fascism: How the creators of the "Institute" in the ZDF became megalomaniacal

The ZDF satirical show Die Anstalt has sparked controversy with its latest episode, which warns of fascism in Germany and criticizes political parties, including the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). The program, airing on Tuesday in its 100th episode, features sharp commentary on current political developments, asserting that the country is on the brink of a fascist takeover. The show’s creators argue that the AfD poses a greater threat than the former National Democratic Party (NPD) and even the Nazi Party (NSDAP), claiming that the party could win elections and that the state has failed to address democratic challenges. They accuse mainstream political parties of being ineffective and suggest that the police are infiltrated by right-wing extremists. According to the show, all means are justified in resisting this perceived threat, and the use of force is necessary. The episode, titled AntifAnstalt, is divided into three acts. In the first act, the show's hosts, Maike Kühl, Max Uthoff, and Claus von Wagner, stage a fictional press conference to argue that banning the AfD is essential. They dissect the AfD’s election platform from Saxony-Anhalt, highlighting what they describe as dangerous rhetoric. Von Wagner presents a 1,500-page legal analysis concluding that the AfD should be banned, a stance supported by some legal experts. The trio dismisses counterarguments, framing them as trivial or irrelevant. In the second act, the hosts critique the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its leader, Friedrich Merz. They portray the party as having inadvertently enabled the rise of the AfD through its policies, rather than acknowledging the broader political shifts within the CDU itself. Uthoff portrays Merz as an arrogant, clueless figure during a mock door-to-door campaign, while von Wagner sets up a dinner scene with a fictional character played by Kühl, attempting to broker a coalition between the CDU and the AfD. The hosts claim that without such a coalition, democracy in Germany would collapse. The third act centers around the performance of musician Daniel Pongratz, known as Danger Dan, whose song Keine Angst (Fear Not) was intended to serve as the climax of the episode. The song, which calls for resistance against right-wing extremism, includes lyrics suggesting that confrontation and coordinated action are necessary. However, the ZDF management abruptly canceled the performance, citing concerns that the song might be interpreted as inciting violence. This decision has fueled further criticism from the show’s hosts, who argue that the ZDF is suppressing free speech and failing to support their message. Kühl, Uthoff, and von Wagner responded to the cancellation by stating that they disagree with the ZDF’s position. “We are not the ZDF,” Uthoff said, emphasizing that the show operates independently. Kühl added, “We are against the ZDF,” implying that the network’s censorship undermines the show’s purpose. Von Wagner concluded with a humorous remark, suggesting that the group is not the leaders of the Anstalt, but rather its performers. The episode highlights a growing tension between satire and institutional control, raising questions about the boundaries of free expression in public broadcasting. As the debate continues, the hosts remain defiant, insisting that their work reflects a genuine concern for the future of German democracy. The situation is likely to escalate, with potential legal or regulatory consequences looming for both the show and the ZDF.