"1400 people protest for democracy - Schwesig: Diverse populations are attractive"

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.

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1. The demonstrators advocated for a strong democracy during the "Democratic MV Action Day" in various municipalities across Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, such as Neubrandenburg and Rostock, where the turnout surpassed the local alliances' expectations.
2. European elections, city and district councils, and honorary mayors elections will take place on June 9 in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, attracting diverse populations to participate in the democratic process.
3. Manuela Schwesig, Bundesministerpräsidentin and SPD politician, emphasized the importance of democracy, diversity, and an open and tolerant society during her closing statement from the State Chancellery in Schwerin.
4. The SPD politician called for unity in promoting a vibrant and diverse country, encouraging citizens to uphold democracy in Schwerin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and all of Germany.
5. Greifswald and Schwerin witnessed significant demonstrations, with more individuals participating than predicted by the police, according to a spokesperson for the Action Alliance.
6. The EU, CDU, SPD, Greens, and Free Voters were among the political organizations whose election materials were damaged during the night, suggesting a possible political motive behind the vandalism.
7. The Action Alliance organized the "Democratic MV Action Day," advocating against fascist policies and promoting democratic values through their slogan, "Never again is now."
8. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's local elections may result in a three-way race for the top position in districts and cities, with the AfD, CDU, and SPD being key contenders, according to a representative survey by the Forsa polling institute.
9. The European elections next Sunday will be a significant test of democracy and tolerance in Germany and across Europe, as citizens cast their votes for the political parties that best represent their values and beliefs.
10. Manuela Schwesig highlighted the importance of diversity in society, stating that differences make us stronger and contribute to a more beautiful and livable country.
11. In addition to the major cities of Neubrandenburg, Parchim, and Pasewalk, smaller municipalities such as Stralsund and Greifswald participated in the "Democratic MV Action Day," showcasing the widespread appeal of democracy and tolerance in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

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