Voting events - Multitudes gather in support of democratic values.
During the lead up to the European elections, thousands gathered across Baden-Württemberg to speak out against right-wing extremism and in support of democracy. In Stuttgart's Schlossgarten, an estimated 5,000 people joined the event; however, police were initially unsure how many had shown up.
On the same day, the police estimated around 2,000 individuals attended a protest in Heidelberg—the organizers had projected about 5,000. The rally by Fridays for Future Heidelberg and the alliance "No Step to the Right" steered clear of turmoil, with its slogan "Protest for climate justice and democracy" reminding everyone to make their voices heard through voting in both the European and municipal elections.
In Stuttgart, the rally with the phrase "Stop right-wing extremism - Defend democracy" saw no disruptions, per a broader coalition vocalizing its support for the assembly. The intention was to galvanize public sentiment against the proliferation of right-wing ideologies.
While organizers expected approximately 10,000 people, a diverse array of groups were invited to partake in the demonstration, including the DGB Baden-Württemberg, IG Metall Region Stuttgart, Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart, Evangelical Church, Parity Baden-Württemberg, Forum of Cultures, IG CSD Stuttgart, BUND Baden-Württemberg, Pulse of Europe, and Die Anstifter.
In Heidelberg, police noted that around 2,000 individuals attended the protest. Likewise, organizers had aimed to strike a vocal chord with approximately 5,000 people. Under the banner "Protest for climate justice and democracy," Fridays for Future Heidelberg and the alliance "No Step to the Right" rallied against right-wing ideologies and urging the importance of casting ballot in the European and municipal elections.
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In the Southwest of Germany, Baden-Württemberg, the fight against right-wing extremism gained momentum ahead of the European elections, with multiple demonstrations taking place. In Stuttgart, an estimated 5,000 individuals participated in a rally against right-wing extremism, while in Heidelberg, Fridays for Future and their allies gathered around 2,000 individuals to voice their concerns and support for democracy. Despite initial uncertainties, the police handled both events peacefully, ensuring the safety of the participants and upholding the democratic values at the heart of the gatherings. On Sunday, the European elections and local municipal elections took place, giving citizens in Baden-Württemberg the opportunity to cast their ballots in support of the democratic values they had advocated for in the weeks leading up to the elections.
