Germany Takes Action Against 'Conspiracy Theories'
The German government has set up a consultation center for individuals “seeking advice” on how to manage relationships with “conspiracist” relatives. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Concerned citizens can reach out to the Advice Compass on Conspiracy Thinking, as stated by the Interior Ministry.
Germans who worry that their friends or family members may have embraced conspiracy theories can now seek professional support, according to an announcement from the Interior Ministry. The government has established a nationwide consultation center aimed at addressing “lies and disinformation.”
Launched on Thursday, the Advice Compass on Conspiracy Thinking is available both online and via phone. The ministry states that the initiative is designed to provide “the most tailored help and advice possible” for individuals seeking assistance.
This center will offer consultations and may direct individuals to specialized agencies if necessary, although Minister for Family Affairs Lisa Paus did not disclose which specific agencies would be involved.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser pointed out that engaging in “open dialogue on equal terms” can be challenging with individuals who are deeply entrenched in conspiracy beliefs. She commended the program, labeling it “an important building block in the holistic fight against extremism and disinformation.”
Paus characterized conspiracy theories as “poison for our democracy” and a strain on families and colleagues. The Interior Ministry has asserted that these beliefs may lead to extremist ideologies and can incite violence, with anti-Semitic conspiracy theories being a particular area of concern.
Recently, German authorities have expressed alarm over the purported increase in conspiracy theories, often linked to the Querdenker movement, which arose during the Covid-19 pandemic in opposition to lockdowns and government regulations. Since then, Querdenker groups have organized protests against Germany’s foreign policy and weapons support to Ukraine, which intensified following the escalation of the Ukraine-Russia conflict in 2022.
Certain factions within the movement have also demanded “regionality, direct democracy, and limiting the power” of the federal government. Officials and media frequently associate Querdenker groups with conspiracy theories and far-right organizations.
In 2021, the German domestic security agency announced plans to closely monitor some of the Querdenker groups, suggesting that they might attempt to “delegitimize” the state and use legitimate protests to “provoke escalation.”
The launch of the Advice Compass followed shortly after the right-wing Alternative for Germany party achieved second place in snap parliamentary elections, capturing 20.8% of the vote—an increase from the 10.4% they garnered in 2021. Despite this electoral success, the party remains marginalized by the other major political parties and is often labeled ‘far-right’ by officials and media.
Debra A Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
Germans who worry that their friends or family members may have embraced conspiracy theories can now seek professional support, according to an announcement from the Interior Ministry. The government has established a nationwide consultation center aimed at addressing “lies and disinformation.”
Launched on Thursday, the Advice Compass on Conspiracy Thinking is available both online and via phone. The ministry states that the initiative is designed to provide “the most tailored help and advice possible” for individuals seeking assistance.
This center will offer consultations and may direct individuals to specialized agencies if necessary, although Minister for Family Affairs Lisa Paus did not disclose which specific agencies would be involved.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser pointed out that engaging in “open dialogue on equal terms” can be challenging with individuals who are deeply entrenched in conspiracy beliefs. She commended the program, labeling it “an important building block in the holistic fight against extremism and disinformation.”
Paus characterized conspiracy theories as “poison for our democracy” and a strain on families and colleagues. The Interior Ministry has asserted that these beliefs may lead to extremist ideologies and can incite violence, with anti-Semitic conspiracy theories being a particular area of concern.
Recently, German authorities have expressed alarm over the purported increase in conspiracy theories, often linked to the Querdenker movement, which arose during the Covid-19 pandemic in opposition to lockdowns and government regulations. Since then, Querdenker groups have organized protests against Germany’s foreign policy and weapons support to Ukraine, which intensified following the escalation of the Ukraine-Russia conflict in 2022.
Certain factions within the movement have also demanded “regionality, direct democracy, and limiting the power” of the federal government. Officials and media frequently associate Querdenker groups with conspiracy theories and far-right organizations.
In 2021, the German domestic security agency announced plans to closely monitor some of the Querdenker groups, suggesting that they might attempt to “delegitimize” the state and use legitimate protests to “provoke escalation.”
The launch of the Advice Compass followed shortly after the right-wing Alternative for Germany party achieved second place in snap parliamentary elections, capturing 20.8% of the vote—an increase from the 10.4% they garnered in 2021. Despite this electoral success, the party remains marginalized by the other major political parties and is often labeled ‘far-right’ by officials and media.
Debra A Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
