In a thought-provoking episode of the podcast "Ist das gerecht?" (Is That Just?), former judge of the Federal Constitutional Court, Udo Di Fabio, delves into the increasing strength of political extremes and the weakening of democratic centrism in various countries. He identifies a significant underlying factor as the 'moral surplus' that prevents individuals from freely expressing their opinions, fearing societal backlash. Di Fabio posits that this fear of speaking out has led to a disconnect in societal understanding, ultimately weakening communities.

Di Fabio uses the MAGA movement in the United States as an example of a response to perceived constriction of the opinion spectrum. By highlighting this social phenomenon, he illustrates that the polarization of society may partly stem from individuals feeling that their viewpoints are not welcome in mainstream discourse. According to him, recognizing this reaction is crucial to addressing the complexities of today’s political climate.

The episode concludes with Di Fabio emphasizing the importance of sensitivity toward unpopular opinions, arguing that a moral framework dictating what can and cannot be said can be a significant threat to freedom of speech. This discussion addresses contemporary issues surrounding censorship, freedom of expression, and the challenges faced by democracies in maintaining open dialogue amid rising extremism.