Voting Process - "1400 people protest for democracy - Schwesig: Diverse populations are attractive"
One day before the municipal and European elections in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, around 1400 individuals participated in the "Democratic MV Action Day." Over 500 people attended the demonstration in Greifswald, and 350 people took part in Schwerin, according to Lars Schulz, a spokesperson for the Action Alliance. There were also events in Pasewalk, Parchim, Recknitz, Stralsund, and Teterow. The police predicted 400 participants in Greifswald and 360 in Schwerin. The turnout outpaced the local alliances' expectations before the demonstrations in Neubrandenburg and Rostock, Schulz noted.
Bundesministerpräsidentin Manuela Schwesig called for strengthening democracy. "Let's work together for a vibrant and diverse country, for democracy in Schwerin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and all of Germany!" said the SPD politician in a closing statement from the State Chancellery in Schwerin.
The head of government emphasized the beliefs of an open and tolerant society. "A diverse, colorful country is more beautiful and habitable. Differences don't make us weaker; they make us stronger," remarked Schwesig. She thanked all citizens who joined the nationwide demonstration.
On June 9, there will be multi-faceted electoral voting in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, including the European Parliament, as well as city and district councils, and honorary mayors.
As per a representative survey by the Forsa polling institute published in mid-May, commissioned by the "Ostsee-Zeitung" (OZ), there could be a three-way race for the top position in districts and cities in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern for the upcoming local elections. According to the survey, 22% of respondents said they would vote for the AfD in the elections for district councils and city and community councils. The CDU would then place second with 19%, followed by the SPD with 18%.
The Action Alliance's declaration cited, "We don't want fascists in our parliaments. The AfD is trying to implement its fascist policies everywhere - not with us!" The Alliance mentions the pro-democracy movement's slogan from the start of the year, "Never again is now," in which people from various aspects of society united to safeguard the liberal-democratic order. However, according to a statement from the Media House Correctiv, significantly more individuals gathered on the streets at that time, with roughly 1500 demonstrators in Greifswald and 2500 in Schwerin.
In the meantime, during the night from Saturday to Sunday, numerous election posters were smeared and damaged in Feldberg (Mecklenburgische Seenplatte). According to the police, election materials for the SPD, the Greens, and the Free Voters were predominantly affected. CDU and Left banners were also marred.
